Poll of the Month for January 2007

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What is the family event, activity or news story you will always remember from 2006?

Twas the Night Before Christmas(A Visit From Saint Nicholas - 1822) by Clement Clark Moore

Twas the night before Christmas,
when all through the house not a creature was stirring,
not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.
And Mama in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
gave the luster of midday to objects below,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles,
his courses they came,
and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:
"Now Dasher! Now Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
when they meet with an obstacle,
mount to the sky so up to the house-top the courses they flew,
with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling,
I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head and was turning around,
down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes--how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head
soon gave me to know I had nothings to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
and giving a node, up the chimney he rose.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all fly like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"

Mid December 2006 Stories

The Stories Section of The People's Press is sponsored by Colony Opticians

Christmas Tradition
By Diana Lewis
There have been many pleasant Christmases in my life but nothing compares to the Christmas three years ago.
The week before Christmas, I started looking for a church that had a Christmas Eve service, and I couldn’t find one. I wondered what had happened to the traditional Christmas Eve service where they sang Christmas carols and had fellowship with the new-born King and maybe fellowship afterwards with homemade cookies and sweets made by family and friends and exchanging Christmas gifts with friends and family. I was definitely disappointed that not one Church I could find had a Christmas Eve service.
This was the year that I started my own Church called the Jesus Loves Advent Christian Home Fellowship. I got to thinking well why can’t we have our own Christmas eve service. With being such a small church, we didn’t have a piano or organ to play the music so we sang Christmas CD’s I had. I started making phone calls to everyone who had come on the past to some of my meetings and even my family members who were in the area. They all said they would try to come. And I even recruited my sister’s daughters to sing a couple of songs because they really sang good together at home playing the piano and singing. So I set up a small service and wrote my own short sermon.
The Saturday before Christmas, I asked my nieces to come over and we baked cookies and brownies for Christmas eve.
On Christmas Eve, when everyone arrived, we had about twenty people crammed in my small apt. I had the whole lined up the way I wanted it. We sang the traditional Christmas carols, and I think everyone enjoyed the singing because everyone was singing, even the ones who don’t normally sing in my regular services. I could tell God was among us that night. I could feel His presence in the room. When it came to the sermon which was called “No Room in the Inn”, that went better than I expected as well. My nieces sang their songs and got an ovation for that and we really enjoyed ourselves. After the service, we enjoyed the cookies we made and some that others brought as well. Towards the end of the evening, my sister’s family and I exchanged our gifts which we didn’t normally do until Christmas Day but I think the children were anxious to see what I got them, so I let them open them. This has become our tradition on Christmas Eve for the last three years and we are doing it again this year. We’ve made our tradition to have the Christmas Eve service and open our presents on Christmas Eve every year since. And I think this is enjoyable for all of us including the others who come to worship our King on the day of His Birth.
This year we will actually have a keyboard to sing to and my niece who plays mostly by ear is very talented with it. God has given her a special gift. She was born with spinal bifida and she has a talent of playing the piano by ear.
I think this is one of the best traditions we could have ever started at Christmas.


Dear Housewives (Central Connecticut’s Know It All Gals)
Dear Readers,
Do you have a question regarding family life, budgeting, customer service issues, DVD or book reviews, or home organization? We will give you our candid advise from a family perspective. Contact The Peoples Press by e-mail or phone with your confidential question and we will answer it in the next issue.
We wish all of our readers a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Holidays as well.
June and Flora
Dear Housewives;
My father just passed away and my mom, of course, misses him. They were married for 55 years. She wants me to take all of his old ties and suits and donate them to the needy. I can't bear to part with his ties since many of them were given to him by grandkids and my mom and my siblings and me. How could I store them?
Signed, all tied up in Wallingford
JUNE: Dear ties, my condolences to you and yours. Everyone has something that they don't want to part with that reminds them of a loved one. One thing you can do with the ties is cut them up and make a beautiful quilt out of them. If there are enough you can make a few quilts using the pieces and give one to your mom and siblings. If you don't know how to make one, take a class and you will learn. It will be a priceless way to remember your dad and he will keep you warm when you are cold. Peace.
FLORA: My sympathy to you and your family. Losing someone and then parting with their personal items can be difficult. June has a wonderful idea for you. If making the quilt for yourself is too much of a task, you can always hire someone to make it for you. This suggestion to make a quilt reminds me of Patricia Polacco's children's story The Keeping Quilt. The story is a tale of a Russian immigrant family's quilt made of the remnants of fabric from family member's clothing. The quilt was used for special events and passed down through the generations. This might be an opportunity to preserve your father's memory and pass down stories of the special things your father did in his life.

Dear Housewives:
I can not get my infant son's legs in some of his outfits and I am worried I will hurt his little legs when I bend them. Then, when I finally get it on, he kicks his legs out of it and we have to start all over again. Help.
Signed, fragile's mom in Meriden
FLORA: Congratulations on your new baby! If putting his little legs into an outfit is becoming too much of a challenge, try using baby gowns for a while. They have warm fabric for winter months and they look adorable in them! Things sure do take much longer now with a little one! Best wishes to you and your family.
JUNE: Well, fragile mom, you must be a new mom because all of us pro's know you will not snap off a baby's leg by bending it into his clothes. Babies are like little rubber bendy toys, they can bend all ways (within reason) and not be affected. Don't forget, they were curled up in a ball in your womb not too long ago. One thing you can do is always put the leg in the long side first. You can pick him up and while holding him up with one arm, slip the suit leg (long side first) onto his leg them lay him down to finish the rest. Also, when you get both legs in, quickly snap or zip up half the suit then put his arms in, that way he can't kick his legs out before you get him zipped. Enjoy your new guy.

Dear Housewives;
What is the deal with people not sending Christmas cards? I have about 6 people I send them to every year and they never send me one back. Has the computer taken over the Christmas card spirit? Should I stop sending to those who don't send me one?
Missing cards in Meriden
JUNE: Dear Missing, I have noticed that not as many people seem to send cards as in the past. I don't know why, perhaps they keep in touch through email or stamps are too expensive. I love sending cards too. You would not be wrong to send to those who send to you only. People should make an effort and should reciprocate the gesture when they get some. Keep the cards you get this year and make your list from those for next year. Look at it as a way to lessen your mailing burden.
FLORA: If you are not receiving cards from those 6 people you can stop sending them if it bothers you and don't feel badly about it. Some people just don't send cards. There is a clause to this tip: If any of the 6 people are old, possibly lonely or depressed, keep sending them. they may not send cards but really welcome the ones they receive.

Hi Flora, you told me about a book recently that addresses the problem of customer service. I feel that good service is at an all time low. It is the pits. As a stay at homer I am always out shopping and workers are rude and bothered and feel the need to talk to others about their personal life in front of customers. They dress horribly and have no problems showing body piercing, cleavage and tattoos. There is no business attire anymore. Please share with our readers your book with a big attention to the "bosses" of America saying READ THIS. Hopefully, they will implement it into their business. --JUNE
Hi June, The Book I read is called: Treat your Customers- Thirty Lessons on Service and Sales That I Learned at My Family's Dairy Queen Store by Bob Miglani. This is a small hardcover with pack with lessons in integrity, planning, leading by example, having a life outside of work, being part of the community and twenty-five more! This is a must read for any one in customer service. That goes for anyone in retail, restaurant or the medical profession. If you are a boss: READ THIS BOOK. If you are deal with the public in any capacity: READ THIS BOOK. Now that I think of it, everyone should read this book. It is a quick read with important lessons that are so basic but seem to be lacking in many sectors. Bob Miglani work at his family's store for over 20 years and is an executive for a Fortune 500 company. Some stories: Once in a while Taste Your Own Ice Cream. Get out there! See your business from a customer's eyes. Get on the front line. Another good one: The Boss is Not the Customer. Miglani says that unless your employees know who the real customer is they will simply try to impress the boss.
PS As for the cleavage, as a kid, the only people I saw with cleavage were old ladies not teenagers...


Family Traditions
By Rosanne P. Ford
My family is fortunate that we have a tradition that occurs each and every Sunday…we are a family of 5 siblings (Pam, Sandy, Walt, Mary, & Rosanne) and Mom (Dear Dad passed away December 17, 1992). For as long as I can remember we have had Sunday Dinner at Mom’s. We all get together pretty much every Sunday for a few hours and eat, joke, laugh, share, etc. Well, each Christmas Eve is special & resembles Sunday dinners but on a bit of a larger scale…after 5 p.m. Mass at St. Joseph’s, everyone migrates to Mom’s…it’s not just immediate family, though! It’s a sort of Open House where you never know who may pop in. We have our family, spouses, friends, special cousins, aunts, uncles, those family members you’re related to but not quite sure how – you get the idea…One year, my husband and I went to the Dallas vs. Giants game, ended up taking a limo we had rented by ourselves as everyone else that was supposed to go backed out…well, mom invited the limo driver in! He had a lovely time while me & Darren took a nap. However, explaining why the limo driver left his coat took a bit of explaining to the company when I returned it! So, I know we are all looking forward to the very special Sunday dinner on the 24th … making new memories and recalling fondly the memories that have already been made at Mom’s all while Dad is looking down upon us (and as he was a chef – hoping all of the food is prepared to his expectations!)……We all know how fortunate we are to have these traditions and that they continue year after year…Happy Holidays!


So many things to be thankful for…so many blessings! You included!
By Virginia Black
It is early afternoon on Thanksgiving Day, Nov 23, 2006 and I have returned from a 130 mile round trip in heavy rain to celebrate Rachael’s 14th birthday! It doesn’t seem possible that she is in her second teenage year. In two hours I shall drive, once more in heavy rain, 9 miles to Kim’s and Peter’s for dinner. To begin these Christmas greetings, I need to tell some of you that you have received from me (I hate to admit!) an incorrect address change. My correct address is 206 Bayberry Lane, Storrs, CT 06268. I’m only a block away from my other apartment and still at Juniper Hill Village. My planned move back to C-301 Alder, scheduled for March 6 finally was to happen on July 11, a long 18 months after the fire. But not for me!!
Much to the relief of friends, family, and myself, I made the decision to stay in this “temporary” apartment—a wise choice since a full replacement of my right knee ended up being scheduled for move day! This apartment is slightly bigger, has a lovely view, wonderful neighbors. The laundry door is three feet from mine-not bad! I purchased a new sofa and chair in June; they arrived in August, as did a new table and chairs. (Some folk miss the pumpkin colored chair, some don’t, but it lasted almost forty years!)
The computer is no longer in the hall closet, since there is no hall! The kitchen is bigger. I still need to do things to make it totally settled but it feels good. I can almost say the fire trauma is over, except for an ongoing attempt to get the insurance company to respond to my calls and letters. Hopefully, that too shall be over soon.
I had no idea when I would be mobile after knee surgery but thanks to a wonderful surgeon, excellent nursing care at UCONN Health Center in Farmington and UCONN Rehab here in Storrs, great therapists and, I am convinced, my ten years of strength building exercises, I was walking in record time (people were amazed), driving in five weeks, and exercising a lot. The whole thing was quite a trip. Not easy! (Try sitting in a chair, leg up on a coffee table, knee over open space with 10 lbs. Of bird seed on that knee for 15 minutes! See how it feels! I am so grateful for all the care, the cards, the prayers, the visits, the food, and the love that supported me and cheered me on.
The year has had several big events. I guess the most fun one was the “80th birthday bash” my family gave me in September. It was held at Kim’s and Peter’s beautiful home which looks out at their wonderful gardens on a gorgeous late summer day. Seventy-three of us enjoyed being together-folk from out of state and from various facets of my life (past and present), my sister and lots of nieces and nephews. My carefully chosen roving photographers took many, many pictures. What an amazing day as people put faces with names and got to know each other.
A few overnight guests stayed and we partied until after noon the next day! So many more of you sent cards. Thanks to all of you who shared the fun, who gifted me with your presence and to whom I had to write over 50 thank you notes! It took weeks to come down to earth! My kids gave me a faster computer that takes up less space! It is great not to wait 12-15 minutes to get on line! My sister, Priscilla, and I get together as often as we can. Her family has always been welcoming to me; I am most grateful. I was saddened by the death of my brother-in-law, George Dietz, and by the death of a very special cousin, Dick Huffield.
The 4th of July 83rd Hill Family Reunion brought many of us together, including Dick. There were a few graduations. I share one: I was thrilled that my sister Nancy’s grandson, Taylor Hill Loomis, graduated Cum Laude from Central CT with a B.A. degree in English-concentration in Victorian Literature. Family research and current history reveal that there have been (and are) several writers, poets, newspaper editors, etc. in the Hill and Prentice lines of my mother’s family. It has to be in the genes! Even the youngest of us are writing beautiful poetry.
I celebrate times with Ron’s and Denise’s Rachael and Nathan. Both are musically gifted and it is being recognized. They are in scouting (N. a patrol leader). Rachael is a mechanical doll in The Nutcracker this year. Nathan is close to earning his last karate belt and having fun in a Lego construction club! Larry, both Fire Marshall and Fire Chief, is in the midst of “addition to the firehouse” construction. Jay works, entertains at their beautiful home, gardens, and is active in the fire-fighters and spouses activities. Their sons? Chris and family are still in Ariz. and Steve’s highway milling business is growing. Ron is constantly on the go with water company design and service. Reid’s yard business found it a bit tough this year. A light snowfall and blight on leaves. He and Leslie have just returned from her bankers’ convention in California. Kim and Peter, who live closest to me, have really been a near and caring presence through fire, move, surgery times and all that they involved. Their trip was to the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone.
Genealogy research goes on. Organization gets more difficult. My 80th makes me realize the need to be more intentional about it. Genealogy Club gathers monthly and we enjoy research travel together. Personal travels were less this year as timing was more difficult.
My energy level before and after surgery (which most people thought was amazing) was not up to my standards! But, I am beginning to be me again! I walk much better. It’s a joy to be free of pain and to stand tall. I visited friends-two trips to KY, one to VA, and closer ones. One of my favorite times this year was spent at Scotland Days in Goshen, CT on a gorgeous day. I am toying with the idea of going to Scotland with a niece…and Berthi is pushing me to do “April in Paris”. Energy? Money? Can I do either or both? Time will tell!
As I write I realize how special it is that Thanksgiving and Christmas come along together. I share with you my thanks for what the year has given and even taken away, for music fills the air. I think of folk around the world in safe and war torn places singing lullabies and alleluias! It IS a time of thanks giving! May it fill your season and bring you into a new year rejoicing and grateful for the gift of God’s love made known to us so long ago—and yet we rejoice!


THIRD WEEK IN AUGUST, 2005
By Alice Mary Scott
A breath of fresh air before bedtime seems to help me fall asleep more quickly, so I often step out onto my deck for a short while. Spending fifteen minutes outside before bed is very soothing. This is a very quiet neighborhood.
The night was comfortable for August, despite heavy clouds all day threatening rain. The night sky has always been of interest to me, whether it's star filled with clear skies or heavy with low cumulus clouds, as it was that night.
I'm not a good judge of distance, but my guess is that the cloud ceiling began at about 500 to 700 feet. Lighter patches of dark clouds swirled above me and it took a few moments of concentration to realize that I was actually seeing the outline of some kind of airplane.
The airborne vehicle (for want of a better name, I'll call it a ship) was inside the clouds, seemingly trying to hide in them. As the atmosphere around it swirled about, different views of the ship came into sight. Eventually, the complete outline was revealed.
I was more then amazed, baffled, full of wonder and excitement as I gazed upward. The nose of the ship was gently rounded, the body, triangular with rounded corners. The circular center had three "running lights," two white and one red. The ship was silent, still, completely white except for the running lights.
What was I looking at? There was no engine sound. How could there be a plane up there without the sound of an engine? Why wasn’t it moving? Was I looking at some sort of a balloon? Were there people inside? What kind of people? What did they want and why were they right over my head?
As other portions of the huge cloud formation swirled, I noticed part of another craft, exactly like the one I was watching just to the right, and then another to it’s left. As my gaze moved over the low cloud cover, I could see portions of other crafts in front of it and behind it. The object I first noticed was part of a fleet of ships and because of the swirling masses, most of what was up there was obscured. As far as I could see, and that distance was extremely limited, the area of sky over my head was filled with them.
I wanted and needed verification, but it was almost 11:00 p.m. In my fifty-five and over community, who would be awake? I headed out, looking for a light in a neighbor’s window. I was new to this mobile home park. I didn’t yet know who was a “night owl” like myself, and who among my neighbors hit the sack at sundown, so I searched for anyone still outside, finding no one. Jane’s light was still on, but it was definitely not her living room or kitchen light, so I hesitated to knock for fear of disturbing her. I could see no other lights on in my small community.
What I should have done was dial 911 and ask for an officer to stop by. But in my many feverish thoughts, not one of them included dialing for help. I wasn’t at all afraid and perhaps that why the thought never occurred to me. I stood in the middle of the drive gazing upward for a few minutes and gradually returned to my deck chair.
Less then ten minutes had passed at this juncture, but I sat and gazed upward for over half an hour, perhaps as long as 45 minutes. I could discern no movement in the vehicles overhead or from other people within the park. I was vaguely aware of passing cars out on Rt. 150 and on Parker Farms Road. Was I the only one aware of the spectacle up there? Gradually, my awe began to fade as I attempted to think of a rational explanation.
Could it be that these were our own government’s experimental planes? Had they perfected nuclear energy (or another form of propulsion) to the point where silent, space type crafts were now feasible? The U.S. is the only country with the technology and the money to finance such experimental crafts. These couldn’t be visitors from another planet, could they? If I said that to anyone, they would think I was crazy, wouldn’t they?
I talked myself into complacency. Gradually, my hectic day caught up to me. The fresh air worked it’s magic and I began to relax. So I left the deck for my bed, and though unusual for me, quickly fell asleep. There was nothing to see the next morning.
Did anyone see what I saw? Can anyone help me verify?

Christmas Thoughts
By Peggy Tarbell
I've been thinking and pondering what to write regarding my feelings at Christmas. Then I decided to just let it flow, to allow my thoughts to ramble and come to life, much as life itself weaves and intertwines and finally makes sense somehow through all the confusion.
Christmas is my favorite time of the year. It wasn't always that way. Some childhood memories of Christmas are better left behind and put to rest.
But some memories are golden. There was the year we lovingly call, "THE YEAR WE OVERDOSED ON CHRISTMAS"
That year was unforgettable. My Mom made such a spectacular Christmas for her children and grandchildren that we actually had to take breaks from the marathon of unwrapping and the oohing and aahing.
At one point my daughter's boyfriend came to the door with gifts for her, and my cousin Gerard opened the door and said, "If you have presents, you can't come in!" We all laughed. Of course, he was welcomed gifts and all.
During one half-hour respite, my sister and I went into Mom's kitchen and actually laughed so hard that we slid down the walls and ended up sitting on the floor with tears coming from our silly eyes.
I especially remember the joy on Mom's face as she passed the gifts one by one to everyone. She was indeed Mrs. Claus that year. I miss my Mom. Her last few years on this earth were spent in bed on a feeding tube, unable to get up by herself, unable to walk. It was so difficult to watch my vibrant, hardworking mother fade away little by little until every day was the same to her. Holidays came and went without her enthusiasm and joy to lift us up as she had for so many, many years.
Now Christmas is not spent at Mom's. Mom's house is empty. But the memories are still so alive and Mom is with God now. MERRY CHRISTMAS, MOM. Now my children and grandchildren are the heart of my Christmas joy, and I thank God every day for their love.
My very next thoughts involve the greetings we send and say to friends and strangers and loved ones. There is so much controversy now around proper ways to say Merry Christmas. What is wrong with Merry Christmas? This is Christ's birthday. Why lessen the magnificence of the holiday by masking it with generic greeting? My greeting has always been and will always be MERRY CHRISTMAS!
That is not an insult to others, and I am not ashamed to say it. Let everyone be free to give their own greeting. We are a nation with so many glorious freedoms and ethnic backgrounds. All of us hold dear our traditions and our celebrations of the seasons and holidays. We should not hide them to please others. We should shout them out with joy because we live in a nation that allows and honors every religion and every ethnic tradition. So if I say "Merry Christmas," and you say "Happy Hanukah," we should both smile and know that what we mean is:
"I Love You for Who You Are."
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Three Aunts, Eighteen Cousins, and One Very Special Tradition
By Bill Mercuri
“Okay, everyone. Time to eat!” These are the much-anticipated words my cousins and I have looked forward to every New Year’s Day for more than a quarter century. The words are clear and crisp, just like the January day on which they’re spoken. They ring from the mouth of a small, silver-haired Italian woman who proclaims this good news standing in the wood framed doorway that leads from the dining room to the kitchen of her Grove Street home. Her name is Violet; with her sisters Madeline and Rose, together they have always been known to us all as “the aunts.”
The aunts gave birth to a family holiday tradition, which we have come to call the annual niece and nephew dinner. While I’ve never asked any of them why they decided that it would be a good idea for them to bring together 18 or so of their brothers’ and sisters’ children and their spouses once a year for an afternoon of family fellowship, I have a theory.
There has always been a very strong and loving bond among the aunts and all of us cousins. I include the husbands and wives as part of our direct relationship because this family is so close that there can be no distinction. The relationship that the aunts have always had with us goes well beyond the obligatory birthday card or Christmas present. These extraordinary women immersed themselves into our lives and were active participants in our childhoods and as we became young adults. They helped mold us into the people we are today. As we grew up and started lives and families of our own, the cousins drifted a bit apart and didn’t see each other as much, if at all, during the year. The aunts, in their usual selfless manner, wanted to see us all together at least once a year to catch up with one another and share life’s ups and downs. And, while this certainly isn’t their motivation, it provides us all a chance to express our thanks and love for these special ladies.
This mini family reunion is carried out in the usual aunts’ fashion meaning that everything is carried out with extreme care right down to the smallest detail. There is no mistaking that this event is about the affection that they have for their family. There are handwritten invitations and individually wrapped favors at each place setting. Homemade ravioli and meatballs and wine served in a small carafe highlight the meal. Auntie Rose’s world famous dessert and fresh perked coffee serves as a reminder for us to save room. “Come on, eat! We’ve got plenty. Bill, you’ll have more, right? Sure, you’ll have more!” The wine flows much like the Sinatra and Bing Crosby coming from the old-style radio sitting on the shelf in the kitchen where it’s always rested.
As the afternoon progresses, I become absorbed in the picture of which I’m very fortunate to be a part. I look around the small but comfortable room and think of the many rich memories we all have of this house. I take in this scene with all of my senses. I see smiles and hear laughter. There’s no bickering or hard feelings. I feel the warmth of what a genuinely loving and caring family is; and I can taste the wonderful food, not only that which is before us but all of the meals we’ve enjoyed here over the years. Most memorable are gramma’s Sunday macaroni lunches after church, complete with fresh Bonazinga bread.
Much has changed over the years. We’ve lost loved ones in our lives, even auntie Rose. I can’t believe that it’s been ten years. I think of her often, not only on the day of our annual dinner but whenever I’m at the house with aunts Vi and Mal. The three of them were inseparable, making it nearly impossible to see the two without my thoughts turning toward the third. A fourth sister, and just as special of an aunt, Faith, now shares New Year’s Day with us. She takes a good-natured ribbing from us as she tries to keep our “orders” straight while playing the part of waitress.
In the end, this dinner is so much more than a meal. It’s a celebration of family and tradition in an age where those two things are nearly extinct. It’s about the remarkable giving spirit of these aunts who themselves live life to the fullest and in many ways are people for others, bringing light to the lives of the many they touch throughout the year. So from all of us to you, aunts Vi, Mal, Faith and Rose, much love and thanks for all that you have meant to us and continue to mean to us and our families, now and always.
Boun Natale!


POINSETTIAS
By Dorothy Gonick

Crimson Christmas symbol
Bright contrast with snow’s crisp white
Warms our hearts with love.

The approaching holiday season is greeted with vivid displays of poinsettias in various hues. Whether as a single bloom or in a cluster of many, these bring seasonal joy to the holidays as we place them in our homes, churches, places of business, and present them as gifts. The brilliant red of the traditional, original plant and the pinks and creams of later hybrids would cheer the heart of Joel Robert Poinsett, for whom the plant is named. He was the U.S. ambassador to Mexico in 1825 where he found the plants growing on the hillsides and brought some back to the United Stated where we have enjoyed them for years. The Aztecs, as a symbol of purity and reminder of blood sacrifices had long cultivated this plant, they would use it to make a reddish-purple dye and also for medicinal purposes. In the 17th century, in the Southwest, the Franciscans used the colorful plant in their joyful nativity processions and it has since become a traditional Christmas symbol for all.
The colorful parts of the Poinsettia that we think of as the petal’s flower are actually modified leaves called “bracts” that surround the rather insignificant cluster of flowers at the center; these flowers turn yellow with pollen as they mature. It is not the center flower, but the surrounding bracts that are most admired.
Some of the people who touch our lives and leave fond memories may ; live lives of seeming insignificance to the world, yet their influence stretches far; much as those red bracts that enhance the poinsettia. We admire the helping hands, the friendly greetings and cheery smiles that touch our hearts and ignite in us a cheerfulness that will spread far beyond that person’s imagining. It is our response to life that may surround us with beauty, just as the colorful bracts surround the poinsettia with beauty. Christ walked the earth as a humble servant and love flowed from Him in far-reaching waves that touched, healed and comforted those in need. May His love flow through us this Christmas season to bring hope, comfort and necessities to those now in need.

WISHING ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS


A Christmas Carol – The Ending Chapter that REALLY MATTERS!
By Charles Dickens
`Good Spirit!' he pursued, as down upon the ground he fell before it: `Your nature intercedes for me, and pities me. Assure me that I yet may change these shadows you have shown me, by an altered life!'
The kind hand trembled.
`I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach. Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!'
In his agony, he caught the spectral hand. It sought to free itself, but he was strong in his entreaty, and detained it. The Spirit, stronger yet, repulsed him.
Holding up his hands in a last prayer to have his fate aye reversed, he saw an alteration in the Phantom's hood and dress. It shrunk, collapsed, and dwindled down into a bedpost. Yes! And the bedpost was his own. The bed was his own, the room was his own. Best and happiest of all, the Time before him was his own, to make amends in!
`I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future.' Scrooge repeated, as he scrambled out of bed. `The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. Oh, Jacob Marley, Heaven, and the Christmas Time be praised for this. I say it on my knees, old Jacob, on my knees.'
He was so fluttered and so glowing with his good intentions that his broken voice would scarcely answer to his call. He had been sobbing violently in his conflict with the Spirit, and his face was wet with tears.
`They are not torn down!' cried Scrooge, folding one of his bed-curtains in his arms, `they are not torn down, rings and all. They are here--I am here--the shadows of the things that would have been, may be dispelled. They will be! I know they will.'
His hands were busy with his garments all this time; turning them inside out, putting them on upside down, tearing them, mislaying them, making them parties to every kind of extravagance.
`I don't know what to do!' cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath; and making a perfect Laocoon of himself with his stockings. `I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel; I am as merry as a schoolboy! I am as giddy as a drunken man! A merry Christmas to everybody! A happy New Year to the entire world! Hallo here! Whoop! Hallo!'
He had frisked into the sitting-room, and was now standing there: perfectly winded.
`There's the saucepan that the gruel was in,' cried Scrooge, starting off again, and going round the fireplace. `There's the door, by which the Ghost of Jacob Marley entered. There's the corner where the Ghost of Christmas Present, sat. There's the window where I saw the wandering Spirits. It's all right, it's all true, it all happened! Ha ha ha!'
Really, for a man who had been out of practice for so many years, it was a splendid laugh, a most illustrious laugh. The father of a long, long line of brilliant laughs.
`I don't know what day of the month it is,' said Scrooge. `I don't know how long I've been among the Spirits. I don't know anything. I'm quite a baby! Never mind. I don't care. I'd rather be a baby! Hallo! Whoop! Hallo here!'
He was checked in his transports by the churches ringing out the lustiest peals he had ever heard. Clash, clang, hammer; ding, dong, bell! Bell, dong, ding; hammer, clang, clash. Oh, glorious, glorious.
Running to the window, he opened it, and put out his head. No fog, no mist; clear, bright, jovial, stirring, cold; cold, piping for the blood to dance to; Golden sunlight; Heavenly sky; sweet fresh air; merry bells. Oh, glorious. Glorious.
`What's to-day?' cried Scrooge, calling downward to a boy in Sunday clothes, who perhaps had loitered in to look about him.
`Eh?' returned the boy, with all his might of wonder.
`What's to-day, my fine fellow?' said Scrooge.
`To-day?' replied the boy. `Why, Christmas Day!'
`It's Christmas Day!' said Scrooge to himself. `I haven't missed it! The Spirits have done it all in one night. They can do anything they like. Of course they can. Of course they can. Hallo, my fine fellow!'
`Hallo!' returned the boy.
`Do you know the Poulterer's, in the next street but one, at the corner?' Scrooge inquired.
`I should hope I did,' replied the lad.
`An intelligent boy!' said Scrooge. `A remarkable boy. Do you know whether they've sold the prize Turkey that was hanging up there--Not the little prize Turkey: the big one?'
`What, the one as big as me?' returned the boy.
`What a delightful boy!' said Scrooge. `It's a pleasure to talk to him. Yes, my buck!'
`It's hanging there now,' replied the boy.
`Is it!' said Scrooge. `Go and buy it!'
`Walk-er!' exclaimed the boy.
`No, no,' said Scrooge, `I am in earnest. Go and buy it, and tell them to bring it here, that I may give them the direction where to take it. Come back with the man, and I'll give you a shilling. Come back with him in less than five minutes and I'll give you half-a-crown!'
The boy was off like a shot. He must have had a steady hand at a trigger that could have got a shot off half so fast.
`I'll send it to Bob Cratchit's,' whispered Scrooge, rubbing his hands, and splitting with a laugh. `He shan't know who sent it. It's twice the size of Tiny Tim. Joe Miller never made such a joke as sending it to Bob's will be.'
The hand in which he wrote the address was not a steady one, but write it he did, somehow, and went down-stairs to open the street door, ready for the coming of the poulterer's man. As he stood there, waiting his arrival, the knocker caught his eye.
`I shall love it, as long as I live,' cried Scrooge, patting it with his hand. `I scarcely ever looked at it before. What an honest expression it has in its face! It's a wonderful knocker!--Here's the Turkey! Hallo! Whoop! How are you? Merry Christmas!'
It was a Turkey. He never could have stood upon his legs, that bird. He would have snapped them short off in a minute, like sticks of sealing-wax.
`Why, it's impossible to carry that to Camden Town,' said Scrooge. `You must have a cab.'
The chuckle with which he said this, and the chuckle with which he paid for the Turkey, and the chuckle with which he paid for the cab, and the chuckle with which he recompensed the boy, were only to be exceeded by the chuckle with which he sat down breathless in his chair again, and chuckled till he cried.
Shaving was not an easy task, for his hand continued to shake very much; and shaving requires attention, even when you don't dance while you are at it. But if he had cut the end of his nose off, he would have put a piece of sticking-plaster over it, and been quite satisfied.
He dressed himself all in his best, and at last got out into the streets. The people were by this time pouring forth, as he had seen them with the Ghost of Christmas Present; and walking with his hands behind him, Scrooge regarded every one with a delighted smile. He looked so irresistibly pleasant, in a word that three or four good-humored fellows said, `Good morning, sir. A merry Christmas to you!' And Scrooge said often afterwards, that of all the blithe sounds he had ever heard, those were the blithest in his ears.
He had not gone far, when coming on towards him he beheld the portly gentleman, who had walked into his counting-house the day before, and said, `Scrooge and Marley's, I believe.' It sent a pang across his heart to think how this old gentleman would look upon him when they met; but he knew what path lay straight before him, and he took it.
`My dear sir,' said Scrooge, quickening his pace, and taking the old gentleman by both his hands. `How do you do? I hope you succeeded yesterday. It was very kind of you. A merry Christmas to you, sir.' `Mr. Scrooge?'
`Yes,' said Scrooge. `That is my name, and I fear it may not be pleasant to you. Allow me to ask your pardon. And will you have the goodness'--here Scrooge whispered in his ear.
`Lord bless me!' cried the gentleman, as if his breath were taken away. `My dear Mr. Scrooge, are you serious?'
`If you please,' said Scrooge. `Not a farthing less. A great many back-payments are included in it, I assure you. Will you do me that favor?'
`My dear sir,' said the other, shaking hands with him. `I don't know what to say to such munificence.'
`Don't say anything, please,' retorted Scrooge. `Come and see me. Will you come and see me?'
`I will!' cried the old gentleman. And it was clear he meant to do it.
`Thank you,' said Scrooge. `I am much obliged to you. I thank you fifty times. Bless you!'
He went to church, and walked about the streets, and watched the people hurrying to and fro, and patted children on the head, and questioned beggars, and looked down into the kitchens of houses, and up to the windows, and found that everything could yield him pleasure. He had never dreamed that any walk--that anything--could give him so much happiness. In the afternoon he turned his steps towards his nephew's house.
He passed the door a dozen times, before he had the courage to go up and knock. But he made a dash, and did it:
`Is your master at home, my dear?' said Scrooge to the girl. Nice girl. Very.
`Yes, sir.'
`Where is he, my love?' said Scrooge.
`He's in the dining-room, sir, along with mistress. I'll show you up-stairs, if you please.'
`Thank you. He knows me,' said Scrooge, with his hand already on the dining-room lock. `I'll go in here, my dear.'
He turned it gently, and sidled his face in, round the door. They were looking at the table (which was spread out in great array); for these young housekeepers are always nervous on such points, and like to see that everything is right.
`Fred,' said Scrooge.
Dear heart alive, how his niece by marriage started. Scrooge had forgotten, for the moment, about her sitting in the corner with the footstool, or he wouldn't have done it, on any account.
`Why bless my soul!' cried Fred, `Who's that?'
`It's I, your uncle Scrooge. I have come to dinner. Will you let me in, Fred?'
Let him in! It is a mercy he didn't shake his arm off! He was at home in five minutes. Nothing could be heartier. His niece looked just the same. So did Topper when he came. So did the plump sister when she came. So did every one when they came. Wonderful party, wonderful games, wonderful unanimity, wonderful happiness.
But he was early at the office next morning. Oh, he was early there. If he could only be there first, and catch Bob Cratchit coming late. That was the thing he had set his heart upon.
And he did it; yes, he did. The clock struck nine. No Bob. A quarter past. No Bob. He was full eighteen minutes and a half behind his time. Scrooge sat with his door wide open, that he might see him come into the Tank.
His hat was off, before he opened the door; his comforter too. He was on his stool in a jiffy; driving away with his pen, as if he were trying to overtake nine o'clock.
`Hallo!' growled Scrooge, in his accustomed voice, as near as he could feign it. `What do you mean by coming here at this time of day?'
`I am very sorry, sir,' said Bob. `I am behind my time.'
`You are,' repeated Scrooge. `Yes. I think you are. Step this way, sir, if you please.'
`It's only once a year, sir,' pleaded Bob, appearing from the Tank. `It shall not be repeated. I was making rather merry yesterday, sir.'
`Now, I'll tell you what, my friend,' said Scrooge, `I am not going to stand this sort of thing any longer. And therefore,' he continued, leaping from his stool, and giving Bob such a dig in the waistcoat that he staggered back into the Tank again; `and therefore I am about to raise your salary.'
Bob trembled, and got a little nearer to the ruler. He had a momentary idea of knocking Scrooge down with it, holding him, and calling to the people in the court for help and a strait-waistcoat.
`A merry Christmas, Bob,' said Scrooge, with an earnestness that could not be mistaken, as he clapped him on the back. `A merrier Christmas, Bob, my good fellow, than I have given you for many a year! I'll raise your salary, and endeavor to assist your struggling family, and we will discuss your affairs this very afternoon, over a Christmas bowl of smoking bishop, Bob. Make up the fires, and buy another coal-scuttle before you dot another I, Bob Cratchit.'
Scrooge was better than his word. He did it all, and infinitely more; and to Tiny Tim, who did not die, he was a second father. He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man, as the good old city knew, or any other good old city, town, or borough, in the good old world. Some people laughed to see the alteration in him, but he let them laugh, and little heeded them; for he was wise enough to know that nothing ever happened on this globe, for good, at which some people did not have their fill of laughter in the outset; and knowing that such as these would be blind anyway, he thought it quite as well that they should wrinkle up their eyes in grins, as have the malady in less attractive forms. His own heart laughed: and that was quite enough for him.
He had no further intercourse with Spirits, but lived upon the Total Abstinence Principle, ever afterwards; and it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, God bless Us, Every One!

A Word from Roger
When I went out West last year, what I missed most, almost immediately, was the people; the geography; the trees; as well as the ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams in our beautiful area.
I took sailing lessons when I was younger in California, and I always knew that at some point, when I got older, that I'd own a boat -- since I enjoyed the water so much. Little did I know that this boat would be a kayak, and that I would use it to explore all of nature's waterways in and around central Connecticut, primarily on my own on weekends.
Most importantly, I missed the Christmas Season. When the snow was on the ground, and the sun was shinning, it made Christmas a very special event.
My wife, Jill, and I enjoy the winter months, especially those months during the Holiday Season. We are happy to be back in New England, especially Connecticut!
Life is great, and so are the people, as well as what nature has to offer!!!
Roger Kemp City Manager 1993-2005-City of Meriden



The Quinnipiac Tribe: Life of the Long-Water People
By Carrie Purcell
The Quinnipiac River region, before the European settlers arrived, covered 300 square fertile miles. And on this land lived 4 bands of Native Americans, collectively known as the Quinnipiac Tribe. The Quinnipiac belonged to the linguistic family of Algonquian and were a sub tribe of the Mahicans. In their language, Quiripi, Quinnipiac means “long-water land,” and the Quinnipiac Tribe members were the “long-water people.”
The long-water land was covered with forest, and together the forest and river teemed with life in abundant diversity. In the dense thicket, nested small animals, while larger animals used fallen trees as dens. Plant life and berries, such as bayberry and sumac, fed songbirds, turkey and quail, while heron hunted at the river’s edge and in marshlands. Deer and rabbit grazed on twigs and leafy undergrowth, and sparrows feasted on large grass and sedge seeds.
The forest root system, foliage, leaf litter and underbrush kept sediment from choking the rivers and kept the water temperature perfect for aquatic life, leaving the ponds, creeks, and rivers well-stocked with fish.
The members of the tribe respected this life-balance, and in return these hunting and farming groups were well compensated. In fact, they knew no other way than to live in harmony with the land.
They lived in small villages, each having no more than 100 people, throughout the Quinnipiac Region. Their homes were domed wigwams made of elm bark and animal skin stretched over pole frames drawn together at the top and tied with hickory or grape vines or leather thong. A hearth stood at the center of the wigwam, while shelves or benches covered with furs lined the walls. The Quinnipiac would sleep on the fur-covered benches or on the floor. Generally, their homes were large enough for a family or two, although some structures were larger.
Near the village, the women planted gardens of corn, beans, and squash and collected mushrooms, acorns, beech, hickory, chestnuts, strawberries, raspberries, grapes and blueberries. Men fished and hunted deer, duck, and turkey. Having no metal, their tool kit resembled that of our stone-age ancestors. They chipped stones until the edges were sharp, making knives and axes. Then they affixed wooden handles. For cooking, they made vessels of birch or elm tethered with leather thongs and water sealed with pitch or spruce gum. For clothing and material they used animal hide and wove bags, mats and baskets from reed. For water travel, the Quinnipiac made canoes of elm.
Their religion, like their life, reflected the natural world around them. They embraced the wonders of their world: the earth, the animals and their spirits, the thunder and the lightning, the wind and the rain, the sun and the moon. The Great Spirit, Kiehtan, lived in the distant southwest. However much they worshipped the Great Spirit, they made sacrifices to the Evil Spirit, Hobbamock, to keep harmony and peace – a concept that European settlers could connect only to devil worshipping. After death, spirits would live with Kiehtan. At times, disembodied spirits in the form of animals and mythic creatures would enter the body of a human, and that human would become a shaman, or powwow. Although tribe members tried to obtain visions of spirits, they turned to the shaman to gain the vision and seek supernatural help. In addition, the shaman offered medicinal aid and presided over gatherings, called powwows, where tribal members would get together to discuss problems. The shaman would help by interpreting dreams or through visions. The gathering might include smoking, dancing, singing, and prayer.
Although the shaman oversaw these gatherings, the sachem was the tribal leader and oversaw all the villages belonging to the tribe. The village in which the sachem lived was often the best stocked and fortified, and he lived in the same village as his advisors, or sagamores. Sagamores, could, however, be the leaders of smaller groups and villages.
The Quinnipiac were a peaceful people, but they were under constant threat from the Mohawks in the west and the Pequots in the south. Both the Mohawks and Pequots, whose name means “the destroyers,” were fierce fighters who sometimes collected tribute from other tribes. In fact, the Mohawks had claimed the river land where the Quinnipiac lived.
A greater threat – one from which they had no defense – weakened the long-water people and decimated their numbers. In 1633, epidemics of small pox and plague came ashore with the European settlers.
The first European credited to have discovered America was a Dutch trader named Adrian Block. He traveled up the Connecticut River in 1614 and commenced a sporadic fur trade between merchants in Amsterdam and the Connecticut Algonquians; the Quinnipiac were one of the tribes that benefited from the beaver trade.
But actual contact with the Quinnipiac tribe is documented with the wealthy English Puritan Theophilus Eaton. In August of 1637, Eaton left Boston to explore the Quinnipiac River region. After his initial exploration, he left 7 men to stay the winter, and he returned to Connecticut in April with John Davenport and 500 followers.
The Quinnipiac welcomed them and offered the explorers furs and food to make it through the first winter. They taught them how to harvest the benefits of the land through hunting, trapping, fishing and planting.
Because the English believed they owned the land of the Quinnipiac through the Cabot discovery, Earl of Warwick granted the land to friends of Eaton and Davenport. Without a title, however, the English felt it just to negotiate with the Quinnipiac through a series of treaties, even though the Quinnipiac did not understand the written language of the English, nor did they share the concept of buying and selling land.
The first treaty was signed on November 24, 1638. Eaton and Davenport represented the colonists, and the Quinnipiac sachem, Momauguin, his sister Shaumpishuh, and his sagamores Sugcogisin, Quesaquanash, Carroughhood, and Wesaucucke represented the tribe. The treaty declared that east of the New Haven harbor would remain in Quinnipiac possession while the rest would become the property of the English colonists. The price of purchase included defense from other tribes, 12 coats of trading cloth, 12 alchymy spoons, 12 hatchets, 12 hoes, 24 knives, 12 porringers, and 4 cases of French knives and scissors.
Both the English and the Quinnipiac promised not to attack or wage war against each other and to provide reparation if injury or harm should occur between the two groups; furthermore, the Quinnipiac promised not to add any new tribe members without permission of the colonists.
While the Quinnipiac tribe shrank, the colonist population grew larger, consuming more and more land and clearing the forest for farming. This land clearing disturbed the balance of nature, and the Quinnipiac found it difficult to continue with their way of life, since the number of fish and other wildlife began to dwindle. Needing farmland for the members of his tribe, Momauguin attended a New Haven town meeting in 1657 and proposed to buy back a tract of land at Oyster Point. The town considered the request and granted it with the contingency that the Quinnipiac must kill their own dogs, since the dogs had caused mischief. Not accepting that clause, the Quinnipiac were declined the additional land.
In 1675, the Wampanoag tribe waged war, known as King Philip’s War, on the colonists for encroaching on native land. The Quinnipiac fought alongside the English. During the war, the Quinnipiac had lost 21 men. In following years, they lost men in the Canadian war of 1690 and the Louisburg expedition if 1745.
In 1695, the General Court of the Colony of Connecticut gave New Haven the right to sell the Quinnipiac’s land; all of the land had been sold by 1720. In the 1760’s, many of the remaining Quinnipiac joined the Tunxis Indians in Farmington. It is said that those Quinnipiac tribe members who moved to Farmington joined other tribes and migrated to Wisconsin.
Those who did not join the Tunxis tribe eventually perished, and, around 1770, the last sachem of the long-water people froze to death near a spring.

Finding Spirit
By Carrie S Purcell
In February 2005 I went to a Shaman retreat in Massachusetts. Below is an excerpt from my journal. This passage is about my experience with a Native American sweat lodge. The sweat lodge is a sacred place to the Native Americans. Those who enter the lodge are considered warriors because they have the courage to challenge their demons; in doing so, they purify themselves. The sweat lodge reaches temperatures well over the hottest desert day.
The fresh February snow crunched beneath our feet as we walked down a path partly cleared and lit by Christmas string lights, deeper into the woods. At 8:00, the night sky was already black. The trees extended bare branches as if to scratch its back. The sky purred in response.
There was something spiritual already, without having gotten to the sweat lodge. I had never ventured into the woods at night in the dead of winter. It was peaceful. The white snow truly cast blue by the darkness.
We reached the end of the path where there was a bonfire. About 10 feet away from the fire was the sweat lodge. It was smaller than I expected. About 5 feet high and maybe 10 feet wide – a bent-wood frame structure covered with tarps. There were 24 of us who would be squeezed in there tonight. The shaman was in the sweat lodge already, preparing this sacred space. Everyone was silent, gathered by the heat of the bonfire. I think we were all in awe of its spirit with wood crackling and tongues of flame reaching up into the blackness. All the snow immediately around the fire was melted away. In the fire were large stones from Mt. Shasta, a site considered sacred by many native tribes. They were glowing with the fire.
The silence was broken as we were asked to remove our outer garments and shoes and to keep just our bathing suits on and to bring our towels. The women lined up first as we were allowed in first and we would take up half of the hut.
Away from the fire, the air was like ice against my exposed skin. My bare feet were burning from the cold of the snow. I didn’t know if I should step on my towel or keep it wrapped around me.
Finally the hut’s door flap was opened and we were invited in. The hut was even smaller on the inside. There was a pit in the center, around which we were asked to sit. The ground was covered with hay. We formed two rows around the pit on the right side. I took the front row, wanting to fully experience the hot stones in front of me. My knees were literally on the edge of the pit. Each of us was squeezed in, like sardines as they say. I had knees in my back and elbows in my sides. When the women were settled, the men came in and sat in two rows on the other side, squeezed as well.
The shaman explained that a few stones would be brought in at first, and then more stones at intervals. Once the door was shut, it would not be opened until it was time for more stones.
The tent was black. I lifted my hand to my face and could not see it. The first of the stones were brought in with pitch forks. Not bad yet. The warmth was comforting for our bathing-suit clad skin and the hot stones offered a light glow. The shaman welcomed the spirit of the stone, the spirit of the sweet grass offered, of the air and of the fire. In unison, we thanked them, too. Next, we shouted out prayers for us, for loved ones, for those who were sick or those who have passed, for safety and love, for mankind… And then the shaman chanted in Huichol and threw the sweet grass into the pit. And then he threw water onto the stones and the tent was filled with steam. The water evaporated and rained back onto us from the top of the tent, trickling down our faces, arms, back. The steam was hotter than anything I had felt – hotter than any sauna. With my first deep breath in I felt my lungs searing. I began to panic. I couldn’t breath and I was closed in by people in the dark. Then the prayers began again. It was the only way to get through the pain and panic. Sweat mixed with the condensation. My eyes stung as the salt dripped into them. The heat from the pit was searing my skin, too.
I wanted to scream, “Let me out!” when the tent door opened. Relief of the cold February air was sucked in. That interval had ended. They asked if anyone wanted to leave, but I was drawn to stay. More stones were added and the tent door was shut again. The tent began to heat. Again, we thanked the spirits and shouted prayers. The sweet grass sparkled on the stones. And the water “chhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhed” in response to the heat. My lungs were seared again and the panic returned. I wondered if I might die from suffocation, yet I knew that people have lived for days in the sweat lodge. What would get me was my fear. To control that, I prayed with the group.
By the third interval, I shouted out a prayer for my daughter. “Thank you Maya for coming into my life for such a short time, for showing me my path in life as a healer.”
The shaman spoke. “Did you say her name was Maya?”
“Yes.”
“In Huichol, Maya means panther and the panther shows the sun its path. Every day, when the sun rises, it looks for the panther to show it the way. Do you mind if I sing a prayer for her?”
“I would be honored.”
The words of the prayer, sung in Huichol, were unrecognizable to my ear, except for the word Maya. But I felt its meaning in every cell of my body. Deep inside my heart. Above me in the darkness, I saw a beautiful flowing ball of blue energy that rose to the top of the tent. I knew it was her.
After the prayer, the shaman threw more water on the rocks, and I continued watching the blue energy.
My body and soul felt cleansed, released and revived as we left the tent. The cold air was nothing. We were all silent, still absorbing the experience. I took my towel and laid it on the ground near the fire. I sat in my bathing suit, completely unperturbed by the winter air that taunted me earlier. I watched the fire fairies – the little sparks – as they released from the flames and floated to heaven.
I had no words. Words, at the moment, seemed futile and meaningless. There was so much wrapped up in the flames, in the sky, in the trees, in the earth. In the camaraderie of those who shared the experience, as we all watched the fire.
Hours passed. People went back to the cabins. There were three of us left staring at the spirit of the flames. I was one with the sky, with the fire, with the snow and the soil. With my daughter, the spirits, the ancestors – with everyone and everything that was or ever had been on this earth.

The Power of a Poem
Submitted by Donna Mahon
Chapter 1Many years ago, Al Capone virtually owned Chicago. He wasn't famous for anything heroic. He was notorious for enmeshing the windy city in everything from bootlegged booze and prostitution to murder. Capone had a lawyer nicknamed "Easy Eddie" whose skill at legal maneuvering kept Big Al out of jail for a long time. To show his appreciation, Capone paid him very well. He and his family occupied a fenced-in mansion with live-in help and all of the conveniences of the day. The estate was so large that it filled an entire Chicago City block. Eddie lived the high life of the Chicago mob and gave little consideration to the atrocity that went on around him. Eddie's one soft spot was his son, whom he loved dearly. Eddie saw to it that the boy had clothes, cars, and a good education. Nothing was withheld. Price was no object. And, despite his involvement with organized crime, Eddie even tried to teach him right from wrong. Eddie wanted his son to be a better man than he was. Yet, with all his wealth and influence, there were two things he couldn't give his son: he couldn't pass on a good name or a good example. One day, Easy Eddie decided to rectify wrongs he had done by going to the authorities and telling the truth about Al "Scarface" Capone in order to clean up his tarnished name and offer his son some semblance of integrity. To do this, he would have to testify against the Mob. He knew the cost would be great, but he did testify. Within the year, Easy Eddie's life ended in a blaze of gunfire on a lonely Chicago Street. But in his eyes he had given his son the greatest gift he had to offer at the greatest price he could ever pay. Police removed from his pockets a rosary, a crucifix, a religious medallion, and a poem clipped from a magazine which read:
"The clock of life is wound but once,
And no man has the power to tell just when the hands will stop
At late or early hour.Now is the only time you own.Live, love, toil with a will.Place no faith in time.For the clock may soon be still."Chapter TWOWorld War II produced many heroes. One such was Lieutenant Commander Butch O'Hare, a fighter pilot assigned to the aircraft carrier Lexington in the South Pacific. On 20 February 1942 his entire squadron was sent on a mission. After he was airborne, he looked at his fuel gauge and realized someone had forgotten to top off his fuel tank. He would not have enough fuel to complete his mission and get back to his ship. His flight leader told him to return to the carrier. Reluctantly, he dropped out of formation and headed back to the fleet. As he was returning to the mother ship he saw something that turned his blood cold:
A squadron of Japanese aircraft was speeding toward the American fleet. The American fighters were gone on a sortie, and the fleet was all but defenseless. He couldn't reach his squadron and bring them back in time to save the fleet. Nor could he warn the fleet of the approaching danger. There was only one thing to do. He must somehow divert them from the fleet. Laying aside all thoughts of personal safety, he dove into the formation of Japanese planes. Wing-mounted 50 caliber's blazed as he charged in, attacking one surprised enemy plane and then another. Butch wove in and out of the now broken formation and fired at as many planes as possible until all his ammunition was finally spent. Undaunted, he continued the assault, diving at the planes, trying to clip a wing or tail in hopes of damaging as many enemy planes as possible and rendering them unfit to fly. Finally the exasperated Japanese squadron took off in another direction. Deeply relieved, Butch and his tattered fighter limped back to the carrier. Upon arrival, he reported in and related the event surrounding his return. The film from the gun-camera mounted on his plane told the tale. It showed the extent of Butch's daring attempt to protect his fleet. He had, in fact, destroyed five enemy aircraft. For that action Butch became the Navy's first Ace of W.W.II, and the first Naval Aviator to win the Congressional Medal of Honor. A year later Butch was killed in aerial combat at the age of 29. His home town would not allow the memory of this WW II hero to fade, and today, Chicago’s O'Hare Airport bears his name, a tribute to the courage of this great man. So the next time you find yourself at O'Hare International, give some thought to visiting Butch's memorial, which displays his statue and his Medal of Honor. It's located between Terminals 1 and 2. SO WHAT DO THESE TWO CHAPTERS HAVE TO DO WITH EACH OTHER? Butch O'Hare was Easy Eddie's son.

A Different Christmas Poem
The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight.
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.
Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight.
The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.
In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near.
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold.
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts..
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light
Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night."
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,
That separates you from the darkest of times.
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam',
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile.
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red, white, and blue... an American flag.
I can live through the cold and the being alone,
Away from my family, my house and my home.
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
I can carry the weight of killing another,
Or lay down my life with my sister and brother..
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall."
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,
"Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget.
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled.
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."

Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities. Let’s try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.
LCDR Jeff Giles, SC, USN
30th Naval Construction Regiment
OIC, Logistics Cell One - Iraq





December 5, 2006
Submitted by Holly Barlow
This is an email my parents received from my brother Tuesday afternoon. He doesn’t live in Wallingford but was there on business in his old beloved Dodge Ram pick-up truck when “just another day” took an unexpected turn.
…If you were listening to the scanner at about 12:15pm, you may have heard that the Wallingford Fire Department had a call for a truck that was on fire. If you had, that call was made by me.
A chipmunk made a nest inside the dashboard of my truck, causing an arc, and POOF! all of a sudden I lost sight of the road that was paved before me.
With no place to stop or pull over, the only thing I could do was to immediately open the side and rear window. I knew where in proximity the hot spot was, but I also knew I could not extend my body long enough to try to put the fire out while driving at the same time. With smoke filling the cab quicker than the fresh air could consume it, it was difficult knowing how extensive of an issue it was or even where exactly it was coming from.
It soon became quite obvious as the color orange could be seen through the smoke filled cab, that I may loose my baby. I had to resort to becoming embarrassed and call someone to help. Before resorting to what I considered a “last option”, swallowing my pride to desperately save my own truck, I drove what I consider my country Lincoln to a safer spot.
I chose the first empty parking lot (near a Nissan dealership!) guessing at its entrance but feeling better knowing we were no longer in the midst of a two-lane highway. Upon reaching what I thought may be my last opportunity to drive my best love on wheels, I was starting to believe that these could be my final moments with her. Chilling thoughts ran through my mind of predicted ruins soon to be towed afar. The thought of her idle and people talking of her death became a priority to defend.
Now that she was sitting still and away from traffic, I bent underneath her dashboard in positions I have not been in for quite some years. I was still determined and viciously attempted to squelch the flames and sparks out from underneath the dash. One thing that was clear was that she was causing quite a scene while there was no end to my efforts. After burning one set of gloves and the flames continuing, I finally resorted to calling 911 to provide the assistance desperately needed with hopes of putting out the stubborn flame.
Soon there were sirens blaring and all you could see were red lights zipping through the thick traffic that populated Route 5. As sirens got closer to what I believed would soon be a truck cemetery, firemen from all sides of “Big Red” jumped out with passion to put out what was probably their first and maybe only fire of the day.
Thinking that if I met the energetic men beyond the halfway point of where my love was passionately smoldering and where the fire truck was parked near the curbside, I had more chances to negotiate their usage of fire retardant and more time to plead with them about dousing her with more water or foam than was needed.
As I approached the heavily clothed men, I walked amongst the cluster of them feeling very out of place without fluorescent attire. I begged them to only do what they would do if she were theirs. I could tell it was already too late. These men were too willing to perform the process in which they were taught and had so much pride in doing.
With one additional bellow and plea that the entire town could hear, one heroic firefighter recognized my need to extinguish her flame but at the same time, prevent her from more harm than need be. Still holding on to optimistic thoughts and believing that she would indeed be my transportation home, the hero stood apart from his brothers and gingerly started to do his thing in order to make my trip home possible.
Dousing her slightly with one squirt at a time, making it easier to see, the thickly clothed man took his used and blackened tools as if performing surgery and took each piece out until the cause was carefully found.
Upon finding the problem, she still needed to be doused a few more times. But knowing it was “Careful Joe the Fireman”, I knew it was going to be all right.
Soon, the fire was out and I shook hands with the pilot, co-pilot and crew of the magnificent red machine that saved my baby’s life. We were indeed able to drive away. Pulling away from the heroes belonging to the Wallingford City Fire Department and the machine that brought them to the scene, each wished me luck. We all waved with great dignity and cheered that the event was safely over. For a moment I felt like the character from a book from my youth called “Joe the Garbage Man”.
The office I share with others smells like a fire and my colleagues are asking me to go home to shower. I plan to leave sooner than usual but not home, not yet. I will drive my baby to Pete’s to have a new heater motor, motor fan and dashboard parts replaced.
Thank you Wallingford firemen for allowing my brother to spend another Christmas with his truck.


“Sheltering an Animal’s Perspective”
By Gregory M. Simpson
I had a dream the other night that I kept rescuing cats that looked identical to ones that I had already rescued. It was a nightmare that unfortunately is reflected in reality.
Do the math. The average number of litters a fertile cat can produce in one year is three. The average number of kittens in a feline litter is four to six. In seven years, one female cat and her offspring can theoretically produce 420,000 cats. (Fertile dogs can have two litters yearly with 6-10 puppies in a canine litter).
In my neighborhood alone, I rescued twenty stray, feral and abandoned cats, having them spayed, neutered and vaccinated before finding placements for them. Some went directly to good homes, others were taken in by no-kill animal shelters, and the ferals were moved to barn colonies.
The last in this series of twenty rescued cats was a mother who had two litters before she could be successfully trapped. We had a number of new misses before finally catching her. Her second litter of five kittens included three females and two males. Think of the number of cats that one litter could have produced. The Animal Welfare Federation of Connecticut (AWFCT) estimates that the population of free roaming and homeless cats in Connecticut is between 700,000 and one million.
Usually spring is the heaviest season for kittens coming into our no-kill shelter. This year the onslaught continued straight through summer. In addition, by October, 126 animals had been abandoned at our shelter’s door.
As I write this column, my orange tabby is resting contentedly on the rocking chair next to me. He was found starving and unable to move due to his entanglement in a flea collar. How lucky this cat is to have a home when there are literally millions of homeless cats. One estimate says that there may be as many homeless cats as there are companion animals.
According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association’s (APPMA) 2005-2006 survey, there are 90 million cats and 73 million dogs in U.S. households. That means 63% of all U.S. households own a pet, equating to more than 69 million households.
The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) estimates that there are an estimated six to eight million cats and dogs entering shelters each year, only half of which find homes, with the rest being killed. Again, that’s three to four million killed. Shelters that kill animals prefer the term “euthanasia.” The dictionary defines euthanasia as “the act or practice of killing or permitting the death of hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.” These are not hopelessly sick or injured animals. They are three to four million adoptable animals.
Only 2-5% of cats entering shelters each year are reclaimed by owners. The percentage is slightly higher for dogs, at 30%. Purebred dogs fare no better than mixed breeds, as 25% of dogs in the up to 6,000 U.S. shelters are purebred.
Nearly all pet owners say that companionship and affection are the number one benefits to owning a pet. Return this kindness to cats and dogs by spaying and neutering them so that someday all will be able to have a loving home. Do not buy from breeders or pet stores. This only creates more overpopulation when there are already so many needing homes. Save a life. Find a new friend. Visit a shelter.
Gregory Simpson is Vice-President of the Meriden Humane Society, Inc. Board of Directors and a member of the Cat Writers’ Association. Formerly a state advisor to Friends of Animals, he was also named one of the 40 Ultimate Cat Lovers by CAT FANCY magazine.

MY YOUTHFUL DAYS FISHING
by Francis W. Lappert
I was 12 years old and my young brother was 10 when our father told us to catch a can of night crawlers and he would take us bullhead fishing at Meremere Reservoir. We did so, and he rigged up several tarred drop lines, as he didn’t have any fishing poles. We took off and walked to the north end of the reservoir, as this was his favorite spot to catch a mess of bullheads. We followed a path down the west side until he came to his favorite spot. Each of our lines was about 60 feet long with a two-ounce sinker on the end to help us throw it out. Our father, who was an expert with the line, caught the first fish, a nice one about 12 inches long. After dealing with several tangled lines, my brother and I got the hang of it and managed to get several fish, added to what our father caught, we quit when we had a dozen. Our mother fried them up the next day for supper. After a few more trips with him, he let us go by ourselves. At that time Meremere had a great quantity of small-mouth bass. We asked our older brother, who was an expert fisherman, what would be the best bait to catch them. He told us small green frogs or crayfish. He said the best place to catch the frogs was in the swamp for their food. The crayfish we could get in the reservoir by lifting up flat stones along the shore. We both supplied our family with many a fish dinner. I’ve got to mention the fact that the park seemed to be a breeding ground for the copperhead snakes. We killed many of them even where the swimming pool now stands. Quite a few years later, when fishing by myself on the west side of the reservoir among the huge rocks on the shore, I had a dozen small frogs in my bait pail. I had just landed a nice two-pound bass and was reaching for the pail in back of me for another frog to bait the hook. My hand froze in mid-air for there in back of the pail was a large copperhead. I reached for a nearby rock, but he saw me move, and slithered down among the rocks. Needless to say, I got away from there fast. The area between Hubbard Park and the south end of the reservoir seemed to hold most of the snakes. I have never encountered a rattlesnake in all my hiking in these woods, but my sister Rose killed a 42- inch rattler while waking in the woods near the halfway house we call Fair View. It had eight buttons. I recall in later years someone introduced large-mouth bass and also pickerel to Meremere reservoir. The fishing improved tremendously. I once caught a seven-pound twelve-ounce bass on a black jitterbug plug fishing at night. I would like to mention also that Peregrine Falcons used to nest on the crags on the west side of the reservoir and once saw one carrying a large snake in its talons back to its nest on the cliff. There also used to be the red-tail hawks that were always trying to get one of our chickens in the backyard, but our father chased them away with his 12-gauge shotgun. A final note: Meriden has five water supply reservoirs, two of them teeming with fish, Meremere and Broad Brook. It’s tragic not one of them is a not available to local fishermen.

Reindeer Facts

Reindeer Facts While these animals may not be able to soar through the skies (without the help of the jolly fellow in red that is), there are some interesting facts about reindeer to enjoy.· Reindeer reside in the Arctic north. They can be found in North America, Asia and Europe.· These animals are cousins of the caribou, which are larger than reindeer.· Reindeer can pull a full sleigh at a speed of 12 to 15 miles per hour.· Reindeer and caribou are the only deer where males, females, and calves produce antlers. Like other deer, the antlers are shed each year.· Reindeer hair is extremely dense so that the animals can survive in the Arctic. This thick coat allows the animals to lay on snow without melting it and getting wet.· Large feet in relation to their body size helps reindeer walk on snow.

'Season's Eatings'

'Season's Eatings' - 3 Sweet Holiday Ideas
Few people can resist the decadent temptation of chocolate. Because this treat has universal appeal, it can be used as a cornerstone in your holiday theme this season - whether in baking, gifting or entertaining.
While you may need no added excuses for indulging in chocolate heaven, here are a few others to satisfy your sweet tooth.
1. Season's Eatings. Express your holiday sentiments in more than words. Chocolate bars can be customized with stylish wrapping, embossed with a greeting of your choice, and shipped to eager recipients.
2. Take a dip. You may have seen champagne and punch fountains that add panache to social gatherings. However, a new trend is the chocolate fountain, where warm chocolate cascades ready for dipping. Cubed pound cake, cookies, fresh fruit, and scores of other treats can be enhanced with a coating of chocolate.
4. Snack for Santa. Santa may be a little bored with the milk-and-cookie routine. Why not leave out a dish of chocolate-laden brownies and a warm mug of hot chocolate with fresh-whipped cream? Who knows ... you just might find more gifts placed under the tree as a result.

Tips For First-Time Holiday Hosts Thinking about hosting a holiday party this season? Whether for 10 or 100 guests, even a novice can pull off a holiday party to remember, event planners say.
The key: Plan ahead.
This will help to avoid some common blunders of first-time party hosts, such as underestimating the guest count, running out of food or drinks or even breaking city noise ordinances, which may have the police on your doorstep.
One of the most common mistakes is when hosts put out too many chairs or tables. A party that should be 'move-around' [then] becomes sit-down and boring.
Instead, aim for a party where no one wants to leave, everyone is talking, eating, drinking, sharing stories, making new friends and enjoying great food, themed desserts and maybe even some fun activities.
Step 1: Determine a budget.
Create a budget that takes into account decorations, invitations, food and drink. If your budget gets too bloated. Try asking friends or guests to bring some food or having beer and wine, which is less expensive than a full bar.
Step 2: Decide the number of guests.
Make a wish list of whom you plan to invite and make sure you have the room or can rent a space to accommodate everyone. Then, send out invitations early and show off your creativity, because you're likely competing with many other holiday parties.
Step 3: Develop a party plan.
What foods will you serve? Are you cooking or catering in? Are you holding a holiday open house, a sit-down dinner, potluck or a buffet? Consider such questions to come up with a detailed plan. If you're baking, make up a schedule to coordinate all the work and time involved. If you're ordering any specialty items, do so in advance so you're not left with starving guests. Also, a theme - such as candyland or winter wonderland - can help tie a party together.
Coming up with something to break the ice, especially if a lot of your guests have never met, is essential. Some activities may include decorating cookies, caroling or a gift exchange.
Step 4: Prepare.
Don't wait until the day-of to tackle your to-do list. Make a list of what needs to be done and do as much as you can beforehand, such as decorating, assembling tableware and most of the baking.
Step 5: Enjoy.

Mistletoe Origins
Mistletoe is a plant that has a long history of use. It dates back to the ancient Druids who saw the plant as a sign of peace and goodwill. Warring parties would actually temporarily cease battle upon seeing mistletoe. Perhaps mistletoe is best known for love and fertility. In some European cultures, a kiss under mistletoe is a proposal of marriage. However, in the U.S., it is used merely as a sign of love and friendship and not a serious commitment. Men and women alike are encouraged to stand under the mistletoe in the hopes of receiving a kiss from their significant other - or to launch a new romance.

Parents as Teachers Gives Tips for Sharing Cultural Traditions in a Multicultural Home
Diversity is refreshing for those children who experience two cultures in their own home. However, it can sometimes create stressful situations for parents who come from culturally different backgrounds. "Your spouse or parenting partner has a cultural background, too, and may have different traditions," reminds Jane Kostelc, child development specialist. "Blending cultural perspectives to nurture your child is an important part of becoming a family. Practicing both parents' cultural traditions will open your child's world and provide her with lifelong memories." Here are ways you can make living in a multicultural home a blessing and learning opportunity for your child.
· Enriching your child's life with cultural traditions. Cultural traditions are what bond a family for life as they connect families to their heritage by reflecting ethnic, racial or national backgrounds. According to Parents as Teachers, learning about your family's cultural heritage can give your child a sense of identity that extends beyond your immediate family. It helps her realize she is a part of a larger community. Helping your child understand her own culture is the first step to teaching tolerance for other cultures.
· Bringing both cultures into the home. A simple way to incorporate two sets of traditions in your child's life is to read folk tales and stories from both cultures and talk with your child about what you learned from each culture. It is essential that your child understand both parents' traditions. "Traditional celebrations provide an opportunity and a context for making those cultural connections," says Kostelc. Connecting with grandparents or older relatives are also important ways to promote your child's social emotional development.
· Look to the community. One way for your child to participate in cultural activities is to look for opportunities to take part in the traditions of other cultures within the community and talk about how your celebrations differ. Holidays are a great time to find cultural activities in the community, but remember cultural learning can occur at any time of the year.


Did You Know?
Kwanzaa is an African holiday that is celebrated each year between December 26 and January 1. It was created by Maulana Ron Karenga in 1966.The term Kwanzaa is derived from the Swahili words meaning, "fruits of the harvest." Celebrants of Kwanzaa are encouraged to decorate their homes in the colors of Kwanzaa, which are black, red and green. Traditional African decorations, such as baskets and harvest items, can also add to the festivities. During Kwanzaa, gifts are mainly given only to children. What must be included in these gifts are books, which foster the Kwanzaa tradition of education, and a heritage gift, which denotes the connection to African history and culture.

Donors Beware Come Holiday Season
Much of the joy of the holiday season rests in the joy of giving. A time to reflect on what you have and what others may not, the holiday season represents the peak of donations for many charities across the country.
Unfortunately, the holiday season is often the peak season for fraudulent charities as well. Preying on people's willingness to give, such frauds have a number of tricks up their sleeve when it comes to getting your money. One of their more commonly used tricks is to prey on senior citizens, who they feel are the easiest marks. As good as these con men can be, however, their efforts can be easily thwarted by exercising a few precautions.
· Don't think a gift mandates a donation. Many fraudulent charities resort to this approach, sending you mailing labels, calendars or even cards in an effort to get you to reciprocate. While this is also the practice of many legitimate charities, look into any unsolicited gifts from so-called "charities" you've never heard of or never donated to. It's also important to beware of charities that boast a sweepstakes as an incentive to donate. Such sweepstakes often require a contribution as an entrance fee. Reputable charities don't need to resort to these tactics, so any that do might not be legitimate.
· Beware of the name game. Fraudulent charities often adopt similar names to charities you've heard of, in the hopes that you'll hear that like-sounding name and assume it's the same charity. Such was the case in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, when many fraudulent charities preyed on people's willingness to support hurricane victims. Listen to the name of the alleged charity carefully, and look into it.
One company that rose to the forefront during Katrina was Charity Navigator, a non-profit organization that tries to help people looking to donate money. Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org) aims to help people make intelligent donations and avoid being scammed.
· Don't give in to pressure. A telltale sign of a fraudulent charity is one that attempts to pressure you into giving. A legitimate and worthwhile charity doesn't need to pressure you, as you're likely well aware of its track record. Even if you're not, charities worth your donation will provide you with literature and other information that details their work. Legitimate charities also recognize your need to think over your donation, and won't pressure you into making one on the spot.
· Be wary of over-the-phone giving. While legitimate charities do resort to telephone fundraising, it's often at the expense of the charity. In essence, charities will hire for-profit fundraisers to reel in donations. Those fundraisers will take a cut of your donation. To get around this, if a fundraiser reaches out to you via telephone, ask for all pertinent information, such as a Web address, a mailing address, any materials that can be mailed to you, etc. Once you've read over all other materials, mail the charity a direct check. This will ensure that all of you donation is going to the charity, and not to the fundraiser.

Mid December 2006 Polls of the Issue

This months Polls are sponsored by Kovac's Insurance

Posts at The Peoples' Press Message Board and Email Polls
Sign up for our Email Reminders and Polls at http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ or visit post and answer at our message board at http://www.peoplespressnews.com/.
Have you ever re-gifted?
Names not used for this question to protect the identity of the re-gifters.
Ok, let's admit it. I have re-gifted a gift that I did not like - have you? – Andy

Re-gifting, I have done it for years. My brother has nothing good to say about it, but I do it anyway. It does not mean I do not appreciate the gift I receive from someone. Quite the contrary; it solves a problem on what to give to someone else. I often receive gifts I cannot use, such as a basket of gourmet coffee because I only use instant coffee, or a canister of Hershey's chocolates which I do not need to add to my calorie intake, or a fancy candle because I do not burn candles, so I give these things to someone else who does appreciate them - people who brew their own coffee, people who enjoy chocolate, people who love candles. I see nothing wrong with doing so. I have a limited income, and the gifts I cannot use that can be used by my friends, I definitely pass along. It saves me money, yes, but it also fulfills that ultimate goal of giving, and giving what someone will appreciate and use. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas! May you receive those gifts you want and need. And may we all be grateful for what Christmas has to offer each and every one of us. Namaste.

I must've re-gifted a thousand gifts given to me by my husband's family. Perfume, a battery operated de-linter (is that a word??), a fruit basket, gift certificates to places I don't shop... I suppose these gifts I re-gifted were re-gifted. I mean, a de-linter?

Since becoming a mother a little over a year ago, I h

Mid December 2006 Municipal News and Events

Mayor’s Corner - Meriden
Dear Friends,
I want to wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday season. We had a beautiful night for Christmas at the Park and hundreds of people enjoyed some holiday cheer with us. Congressman-elect Chris Murphy and Santa himself made special visits. We will also ring out our Bicentennial year as we ring in the new year. Whether it was the gala at the castle, the Hooters, the parade, the interfaith celebration, the school performers, the Black Expo, the Hispanic celebration, or rock legend, Chuck Berry, the proud memories will last a lifetime. Happy 200th Birthday Meriden!
The linear trail along the Quinnipiac River will officially open on December 16th. The trail begins at historic Red Bridge and winds along the Quinnipiac River into Cheshire. Enjoy the recent mild temperature and take a walk on our new beautiful trail.
I also encourage all our citizens and neighbors to visit the fabulous silver light display at Hubbard Park. This wonderful light display at Hubbard Park is something we can all be proud of.
Hunter’s, the Meriden Fire and Police Departments, and the South Meriden Volunteer Fire Department are once again orchestrating the Spirit of Giving Campaign. Families throughout our community will be greeted by Christmas carolers, gifts and holiday cheer. It truly is a special night in our city. I thank all the volunteers who gave so generously to this event. This is what Christmas and the holiday season is all about. I am proud that Meriden citizens are so generous in lending a helping hand to those in need and truly recognizing the importance of giving during the holiday season.
Once again, the Meriden YMCA will be hosting a holiday dinner Christmas day at the downtown YMCA, 110 West Main Street. Anyone looking for a great meal and some holiday camaraderie is welcome to attend this free event on Christmas Day. Or if you are looking to volunteer, please feel free to call the Meriden YMCA at 203-235-6386 or come down on Christmas morning. My family and I look forward to helping out at the Meriden YMCA on Christmas Day.
Enjoy the holidays and Happy New Year!
Your friend,
Mark Benigni


Important News from the Meriden Board of Education
Dear Parents and Staff:
I am providing you with notification that initial radon-in-air testing will be conducted from December 18-21, 2006 in your school. According to Connecticut General Statute 10-220(d), schools are required to inspect and evaluate the indoor quality of school buildings by 2008. This required inspection and evaluation of indoor air quality includes evaluation of radon in air and water. An independent testing company, EnviroScience Consultants, will conduct the initial radon testing. To test for radon in the air, small round canisters similar to the size of hockey pucks containing charcoal will be placed in each of the occupied rooms that are in contact with the ground. These canisters will be left in place for about three school days. You will be informed of radon test results and interpretations as soon as possible. In the event that high radon levels are found, steps will be taken to correct the problem using methods suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Thank you for your cooperation regarding this testing.
Sincerely,
Glen A. Lamontgne
Assistant Superintendent
For Finance and Administration



Mayor’s Corner –Wallingford
Dear Friends:
We thank the Public Celebrations Committee, the Parks and Recreation Department and Wallingford Center Inc. for the wonderful Season of Celebration held on December 2nd. The Town is so fortunate that these organizations and employees were able to host and plan a fun filled time for all. Just think, out of 169 cities, towns and villages, we had Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, Frosty and Rudolph all in Wallingford! Think of all the places they could have been and we had them here with us. Incredible! This is a special time of year. We have so much to be thankful for that it is important to share our good fortunes with others. Whether in the forum of a gift or a smile, sharing is the key for everyone. To qualify as nice, you must share. So when the list of who is naughty or nice is completed, you can really add points for nice by sharing! Please have a very healthy holiday season, Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah.
Sincerely,
William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Mayor

CITY OF MERIDEN EVENTS
HOLIDAY VACATION WEEK CAMP
Post-Christmas plans consist of endless television watching? The Recreation Division’s “Holiday Vacation Week Camp” is just the thing to add some excitement to the final days of 2006. The program will meet from 9:15AM-3:00PM at Ben Franklin School from December 26th-29th. It features games, puzzles, educational sessions, arts & crafts, and videos in addition to hiking, swimming, roller skating, & arcade field trips. Boys & girls currently in grades 1-5 are eligible to attend. Beginning December 4th, interested participants can register at the Parks & Recreation office. The cost is $40.00 for the week. Please register soon, as there are only 40 openings available for the program.
SILVER LIGHTS BUS TOUR
Want to see the very best Meriden has to offer in lights & decorations? On Wednesday, December 20th at 6:30PM, the guided “Silver Lights Bus Tour” of the city’s top holiday attractions will leave the Meriden Senior Center on West Main Street. Featured destinations include Hubbard Park, City Hall, South Meriden’s Main Street, and the best-decorated homes in the city. Interested participants must register with the Parks & Recreation office(460 Liberty Street) by December 18th. A $5.00 per participant reservation fee, refundable only in-person on the tour, must be paid either at the office or by mail. Special thanks are extended to Kogut’s Florist for sponsoring this event.
2006-2007 CO-ED ADULT VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM
Organized recreational volleyball games for adults ages 18 & older takes place every Tuesday night at Holy Angels Center in South Meriden from 6:00-9:00PM. The program runs through March 27th. A one-time $25.00 registration fee can be paid onsite any night the program is in session. Please note the program will not meet on Tuesday, December 26th.
INDOOR PUBLIC SWIM PROGRAM
The 2006-2007 Indoor Public Swim Program takes place at the Maloney HS pool on the following dates & times: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 6:30-7:45PM and Saturdays & Sundays from 12:00-3:45PM.
All interested participants must possess a valid pool pass. Available for purchase at the Parks & Recreation office, passes cost $5.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 17 & under. Potential recipients must come to the office in-person and bring proof of Meriden residency to receive a pass. 2007 passes are now on sale at the office.
38TH ANNUAL BERNIE JURALE MEMORIAL TRADITION RUN
The 38th Annual Bernie Jurale Memorial Tradition Run will take place at Hubbard Park on Sunday, January 21st. Registration begins at 9:30AM in the Parks Division maintenance facility. The walkers’ start is at 10:00AM, while the joggers & runners begin at 10:30AM. Walkers, hikers, joggers, & runners of all ages and abilities are invited to test their skills against a 5K course that begins in the park proper and climbs an elevation of approximately 700 feet to its finish at Castle Craig. All persons finishing the course will receive a certificate and special gift. There is no entry fee, and refreshments will be available throughout the morning. Come enjoy Meriden’s premier running event!


Wallingford Senior Center News for December Edition
DISCOVER MediBlue HMO on Monday, December 18, 1:00 p.m.
Join us for a seminar about ANTHEM BLUE CROSS & BLUE SHIELD’s new Medicare Advantage plan called MediBlue HMO. HMO’s are required to provide coverage that traditional Medicare would and often feature extras such as vision and hearing benefits. Some plans include prescription drug coverage. Learn more over coffee and donuts. Please call the Wallingford Senior Center at 265-7753 to sign up today! Open to the public.
GETTING THE MOST OUT OF MEDICARE PART D
Medicare’s Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment started November 15 and ends December 31. Now is the time to evaluate your current plan—has it met your needs this year? Medicare recommends taking this quick Rx Enrollment Checkup. If you are satisfied with your plan, you do not have to do anything to re-enroll. Take a few minutes now and ask yourself these three questions:
COST: Will your premium and costs change in 2007?
COVERAGE: Do you need more coverage in 2007? Will the prescription drugs you take be covered by your plan in 2007?
CUSTOMER SERVICE: Are you satisfied with your plan’s service?
Enroll early to make sure you can get the prescriptions you need on January 1, 2007. For more information, call Social Worker, Marie Cunha at the Senior Center or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227. Compare plans at www.medicare.gov. Information obtained from: SHIPresourcecenter@air.org

DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD! CT ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Wallingford Senior Center takes applications for energy assistance for Wallingford residents, age 60 and over. The program provides financial assistance to income-eligible households to pay for a portion of their heating costs during the winter months. Income limits are $27,867.32 for a single person and $36,441.88 for two people. There are asset limits.
PLEASE NOTE: Applicants MUST bring (2) photocopies of the following documents:
Year 2006 Social Security check amount (copy of recent check, or most recent bank statement showing deposited amount, or Social Security “2006 New Benefit” letter.)
Most recent checking, savings, CD, annuity, stock, bond documents.
2006 year-to-date pension or annuity dividends and/or interest income.
Four most recent pay stubs, if employed.
Rental Income – rent stub or copy of check deposited into bank account.
Driver’s license or birth certificate.
Most recent heat utility bill.
Electric bill.
Applications are by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 265-7753.
LITERARY MAGAZINE: The Literary Committee has completed the November issue of Mirrors of Life: Prose/Art/Poetry, the Senior Center’s literary magazine. Copies are available. We thank you all for your submissions. Due to limited space, not all submissions were included in this issue, but they will appear in our next magazine. Future issues of our literary magazine also will include interviews of members of the Wallingford Senior Center. Finally, if anyone is interested in a creative writing class, we plan to form one later this winter. Please sign up at the Senior Center (265-7753) if you would like to participate.
INCLEMENT WEATHER NOTICE
In the event of inclement weather, we urge you to watch WVIT-Channel 30, WTNH-Channel 8 or WFSB-TV Channel 3 for information on the cancellation of activities at the Wallingford Senior Center. If the Center should remain open in questionable weather and you are unsure as to whether you should venture out, we urge you to consider your own safety and well being and remain at home. We will make every effort to reschedule to a later date any event or activity that may have to be postponed.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! From:The Wallingford Senior Center Staff And The Wallingford Committee on Aging


MAX E. MURAVNICK MERIDEN SENIOR CITIZENS’ CENTER

The Max E. Muravnick Meriden Senior Citizens’ Center is open to all Meriden residents age 60 and over. Membership is free of charge and new members may sign-up any weekday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by presenting a driver’s license or other proof of age. New members receive an information package about senior services and a coupon entitling them to one complimentary lunch in our Senior Community Café. Sign-up today and find out about all that is offered for Meriden seniors at the Max E. Muravnick Senior Center!

* * * *
Senior Center members will again take part in the Silver Lights Bus Tour of the City of Meriden on Wednesday, December 20 sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. Buses will leave the Senior Center at 6:00 PM to see all of Meriden’s holiday decorations. Featured highlights include Hubbard Park, City Hall, Midtown Plaza, Broad Street and the best-decorated houses in the city. Call the Parks and Recreation Department at 630-4259 by December 18 to sign-up for this holiday activity. There is a $5 reservation fee refundable when you arrive for the tour.
* * * *
Holiday entertainment at the Senior Center will include performances by Jill Riggles on Wednesday, December 20 at 11:00 AM for a Holiday Sing-a-long and Lori Fogler on Thursday, December 21 at 10:30 AM for our Holiday Celebration Luncheon. The Holiday Celebration Luncheon will feature roast turkey with gravy, stuffing, whipped potatoes, cranberry sauce, broccoli spears, dinner roll and holiday ice cream for dessert. Sign-up for the Holiday Celebration Luncheon by calling our Senior Community Café at 235-8052.
* * * *
Our Holiday Dinner Dance will be held on Thursday, December 21 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Entertainment will be provided by the Vinnie Carr Band. The dinner menu, served from 5:00 to 6:00 PM, will be roast beef with chef’s special sauce, baked potato with sour cream and chives, green beans almondine, dinner roll and strawberry layer cake. Tickets are available now at the Senior Center for $6 per person for Meriden residents. Get your ticket today and join us for our Holiday Dinner Dance!

* * * *
Best wishes for a happy holiday season from the members and staff of the Max E. Muravnick Senior Citizens’ Center!
John F. Hogarth , Senior Center Director

Town of Wallingford Closings
The following sites will be CLOSED on Monday, DECEMBER 25, 2006, in observance of the CHRISTMAS holiday and also on Monday, JANUARY 1, 2007 in observance of NEW YEAR'S DAY:Wallingford Town Offices; Resident Disposal Center; Recycling Center and Compost Center


Wallingford Park and Recreation News and Events
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ICE SKATING AT TOWN OPEN SPACE AT CHESHIRE ROAD
Public Works in conjunction with the Parks and Recreation Department will be offering free public skate at the Town Open Space at Cheshire Road this winter. Ice will be monitored by the public works department – however skating will be at your own risk. Skating will be open weekdays and weekends during the day, no night skating at this time. LOOK FOR FLYERS THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOLS FOR A FAMILY SPECIAL EVENT TO BE HELD IN FEBRUARY... WE NEED TO BE ASSURED WE’RE GOING TO HAVE ICE.... Town Open Space at Cheshire Road is located on
the corner of Schoolhouse and Cheshire Road. For more information please call 294-2120
ICE SKATING AT CHOATE ROSEMARY
This year skating tags will go on sale Wednesday November 15, 2006.at 9:00am at the Recreation Dept. At the time of this printing session days and times have not been determined. A complete schedule will be available at registration.

Who you need to know at Wallingford Park and Recreation - 294-2120

Department Staff:
Director: John Gawlak CPRP
Supt. of Recreation: Michelle Bjorkman
Recreation Programs
Specialist: Vacant
Recreation Facilities Coord.: Jim Sayre
Account Clerk: Jennifer Griswold
Senior Clerk: Joanne Vass
Clerk Typist II: Janet Moore
Front office Staff: Melaine Pfister
Mary Anne Heidgerd
Dee Trutnau
Marianne Arnold
Michelle Mele
Dominick Riveccio
Lauren Montano
Grace Kopakow
Paula Knecht
Amy Vass
Therapeutic Spec: Kathy Radzuinas, CTRS
Health Fitness: Kelli Montgomery
Early ChildHood: Debbie Tansino
Childcare: Nancy Cook
Aquatics: Francis Sadowski
Crafts: Kim Larkin
Fine Arts: Rashmi Talpade


Quick Reference: Town of Wallingford Departments and Services
SHIRLEY GIANOTTI MUNICIPAL ANIMAL SHELTER
5 Pent Road
(203) 294-2180
Fax: (203) 294-2181
Animal Control Officer:
Impound strays dogs.
Remove animals struck on roads and take to veterinarian when necessary.
Answer complaints about barking and roaming dogs.
Issue infraction tickets when necessary.
Quarantine biting dogs/cats.
Find homes for unclaimed dogs/cats. Visit PetFinder.com for further information about animals available for adoption.
Euthanize dogs/cats that are not claimed or adopted or are sick and injured.
Maintain animal shelter, including building and grounds.
Assistants are on 24-hour emergency call.
Give lectures and tours to scouts on animal care.
From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., capture sick wildlife and take to vet.
BUILDING DEPARTMENT
45 South Main Street, Room #G-40
(203) 294-2005
Building Official, Housing Code Administrator &
Zoning Enforcement Officer: Richard F. Boyne, III
Answer homeowners' , architects' and builders' code questions.
Review all building and site plans for new or remodeling construction so as to comply with building, fire and zoning regulations.
Review permit applications.
Issue: (a) building permits, (b) Certificate of Occupancy (C.O.'s), (c) Housing Code Certificates of Compliance (C of C's) Conduct all required inspections.
Final certificate inspection.
Respond and check out zoning complaints.
See that housing code is complied with.
Process applications and follow through same for Zoning Board of Appeals.
Check for condemnation of buildings.
Assistant Building, Plumbing, and Heating Inspector: Alexander Kischkum
Answer homeowners, builders and architects with plumbing, heating and air conditioning code questions. Review building plans for heat, plumbing, and air conditioning.
Issue: (a) mechanical permits, (b) building permits, (c) permits and inspect coal, woodstoves and inserts
Conduct all required inspections.
Building Code Inspector: Peter LeClerc
Inspect:
Investigate complaints regarding residential code violation.
Issue: (a) rooming house permits, (b) Certificate of Compliance
Electrical Inspector: Louis Genovese
Review building plans for electrical installations.
Issue electric permits. Inspect all electrical installations for code compliance.
Assist Fire Prevention Bureau in detecting cause of fires. Work closely with Electric Division on service installations.
CIVIL PREPAREDNESS
280 Washington Street
(203) 294-2010
Director: Ernest W. Frattini, Sr.
Deputy Director: John Bonini
The Director is responsible for the safety, welfare and protection of the Town residents and property under the Federal and State Office of Emergency Management, DCPA acts.
Provides training programs, essential services, supplies and overall supervision of programs designed to safeguard against natural disasters.
The Director is directly responsible to the Mayor.
WALLINGFORD COMMUNITY DAY CARE CENTER
80 Wharton Brook Drive
(203) 294-4176 Fax: (203) 741-0896
Director: Kathleen M. Queen
Wallingford Community Day Care Center is a nonprofit state-funded day care center serving 45 children (40 of whom are funded) ranging from 3 to 5 years of age. The Center offers a full-day education program. Open 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Priority enrollment is given to the single working parent residing in Wallingford and fees are based on a sliding scale according to family size and income.
The Day Care Center also operates a nonprofit before/after school facility supported entirely by parent fees and donated services. Children of working parents residing in Wallingford in 1st through 5th grades are eligible. This recreational program operates 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. during the school year as well as 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during school vacations and summers.
The Center also operates an infant/toddler facility for children aged 6 weeks to 3 years. It serves up to 24 children (14 of whom are funded) and offers developmentally appropriate educational program.
DEPARTMENT OF ENGINEERING
45 South Main Street, Room #203
(203) 294-2035 Fax: (203) 294-2107
Town Engineer: John P. Thompson, P.E.
Asst. Town Engineer: Robert V. Baltramaitis, P.E.
Construction Inspector: Sal Sandillo, NICET
1. Assist public with:
Complaints about sidewalks
Marking the street lines at their properties
Making tax assessor and topographic maps
Drainage concerns Site-line problems
Private storm drainage connections in Town’s system
Attendance at neighborhood meetings on Town projects
2. Assist developers and contractors with:
Plan reviews
Issuing street excavation permits
Inspection of new subdivision roads
Providing vertical and horizontal control for construction Bond compliance issues
3. Assist other Town departments with:
Review of applications for P&Z, Inland-Wetlands & ZBA Maintenance of listing for public and private roads Legal descriptions for municipal properties Preparation of contract documents for Municipal Improvement projects Survey/layout and control for municipal construction projects Serves the Legal Traffic Authority as technical staff Providing survey, mapping and engineering services to all Town departments
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
45 South Main Street, Room #306
(203) 294-2040
Office of the Comptroller
Comptroller: James Bowes
Deputy Comptroller:
Town Treasurer: Peter Murphy
Internal Auditor: Robert F. Ronstrom
Accountant: Thomas Thompson
1. Chief financial officer of the Town of Wallingford.
2. Provides financial management and administration and is head of the Department of Finance.
3. Maintains records showing financial condition of all departments and agencies of the Town.
4. Provides in-house accounting and financial service to Town departments
5. Has custody of and handles disbursement of all funds and money.
6. Has control over expenditures.
7. Handles all other such duties as may be required by ordinance or resolution of the Council.
ASSESSOR
45 South Main Street, Room #101
294-2001
Assessor: Shelby Jackson
Chief Appraiser: Dennis Hlavac
1. Receives applications for
Elderly freeze, homeowner, rentals and tax deferrals
Totally disable
Blind
Farm and forest land exemptions
Dairy farm and fruit orchard abatements
Exemption on poultry, livestock and farm machinery
Additional Veterans exemptions
Manufacturing machinery and equipment exemptions
2. Declaration of personal property: Manufacturers, Merchants and traders
3. Copying of official office records: Property owners' record cards; Real, personal and motor vehicle abstract records
4. Information about assessments, property location, property sales, current owners of property.
5. Assists Taxpayers with all functions of the Assessment and Exemption Process.
6. Inspections: Requested inspections; Building permit inspections; Real estate inspections; Personal property inspections
BUREAU of PURCHASES
45 South Main Street, Room #206
294-2115
Purchasing Agent: Sal Amadeo
Buyers: Stan Brace and Sandra Smith
1. Plans and provides for open competitive ding and purchasing of materials, equipment and services for Town departments.
2. Provides information about bid projects, due dates and bid results
3. Addresses vendor and public inquiries and furnishes information related to procurement items.
4. Analyzes bid results and awards contracts.
5. Maintains vendor bid lists and ensures impartial and equal treatment of all vendors who wish to do business with the Town.
6. Exercises authority to enter into contracts.
7. Ensures compliance with governing laws and regulations of public purchasing.
8. Disburses Petty Cash.
9. Maintains registration of all Town-owned vehicles.
10. Conducts surplus property disposition and reviews moveable equipment inventory.
TAX OFFICE/CENTRAL SERVICES
45 South Main Street, Room #209
294-2135 Fax: 294-2137
Tax Collector: Richard J. Piekarski, C.C.M.C.
Assistant to the Tax Collector: Jo-Anne Rusczek
1. The Tax Collector is responsible for the billing and collection of all taxes. Residents can also make electric and water payments.
2. It is encouraged that payments be mailed to the Tax Office at 45 South Main Street (P. O. Box 5003), Wallingford, CT 06492.
3. Oversees the Central Service Office, which handles mail, xerographic and offset duplicating for all departments.
4. For questions about:
assessments and exemptions, contact the Assessor's Office, 45 South Main St., Room 101, phone 294-2001.
taxes, interest and payments, contact the Tax Office.
Electric bills, contact the Electric Division, 45 So. Main St., Room 204, phone 294-2020.
Water bills, contact the Water/Sewer Division, 377 So. Cherry Street, phone 949-2660.


FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU
75 Masonic Avenue
(203) 294-2766 Fax: (203) 294-2736
Fire Marshal: Joseph P. Micalizzi, Jr.
Fire Inspectors: Richard B. Forman
Mike Gudelski
Investigates, records and reports the cause and origin of all fires and explosions within the Town.
Conducts inspections of:
all occupancies, outdoor amusements, facilities of public service and buildings as governed by the Fire Safety Code;
all propane, flammable and combustible liquid storage,dispensing and transport vehicles and facilities.
Industrial and commercial facilities and enforces hazardous materials notification laws.
Issues permits for use of fireworks, special effects, blasting agents and controlled open burning.
Coordinates the abatement of fire hazards with the Department of Labor for all industrial occupancies.
Conducts building, site and protection systems plan reviews to determine compliance with codes and regulations.
Provides public education, juvenile fire setter and safety programs.
DEPARTMENT OF FIRE SERVICES
Central Fire Headquarters
75 Masonic Avenue
(203) 294-2730 (Non-Emergency)
Fax: (203) 294-2736
Fire Chief: Peter J. Struble
Deputy Fire Chief: Guy Casanova
Assistant Chief: David Berardesca
Liaison with Police and civilian dispatchers to ensure high quality fire and emergency medical dispatching through centralized 911 Center located at the Police Department.
Provides emergency paramedic services at the Paramedic, Ambulance Transport, and Emergency First Responder/Defibrillator levels.
Public fire and emergency medical education.
Hazardous materials Emergency First Responder and local contact for Local Emergency Planning Committee. LEPC Guide to a Hazardous Material Emergency
Technical rescue services including confine space entry capabilities.
Responds to fires, accidents and all other emergencies.
Fire prevention surveys and fire preplanning.
Standby at large community functions.
General assistance daily to citizens whenever requested.
Works with local industries to develop emergency plans and conduct emergency drills.
The schedule for volunteer meetings is as follows:
The North Farms Volunteer Fire Company meets Monday nights at 7:00 p.m. at 636 Barnes Rd.
The Yalesville Volunteer Fire Company meets Tuesday nights at 7:00 p.m. at 143 Hope Hill Rd.
The East Wallingford Fire Company meets Tuesday night at 7:00 p.m. at 2 Kondracki Lane.
GOVERNMENT ACCESS TELEVISION
David Doherty Municipal Building 6 Fairfield Boulevard
(203) 294-2199 Fax: (203) 294-2199
Manager: Scott A. Hanley
Manages the local government access cable television channel.
Produces and distributes video programming about government services and programs.
Monitors telecommunications legislation and regulation.
Government Access Television telecasts programming in Wallingford on Comcast Communications cable television position #20.



HEALTH DEPARTMENT
45 South Main Street, Room #215
(203) 294-2065 Fax: (203) 294-2064
Director: Eloise Hudd, R.S., M.P.H.
Town Sanitarian: George S. Yasensky, R.S.
Assistant Sanitary Inspector: Wendy Kudzma
The Health Department provides all services required by the CT General Statutes and enforces both CT State Regulations and Local Ordinances. We are available to provide educational presentations upon request.
Environmental Health Functions
- Food Protection, Licensing and Food Handler Education
- Subsurface Sewage (Septic) Inspections and Permitting
- Private Well Water Permitting and Approval
- Lyme Disease Tick Identification and Education
- West Nile Virus (WNV) Surveillance and Education
- General Nuisance Complaints:
- Garbage
- Stagnant water/mosquito breeding sites
- Rodent Infestations
- Rabies Prevention Education and Coordination with Animal Control
- Public Swimming Pool Registration and Inspections
- Day Care Center Inspections
Health Statistics, Surveillance and Monitoring
- Quarterly statistics are reported to the Wallingford Board of Health, including School Health
Data
- Participates in the Health Alert Network (HAN)
Emergency Medical Services
- Active member of the LEPC
- Coordinates with the Fire Department for Ambulance Services
Contract Services Provided by:
Wallingford VNA
135 North Plains Industrial Rd.
Phone: 203-269-1475
Fax: 203-265-5357

- Home Care Visits
- Confidential Communicable Disease Education and Surveillance
- Women Infant and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
- Community Nursing
- Pediatric Dental Health
- Immunizations
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention/Blood Screening
- Child Health Clinics
- Support Groups: Hep C, Mothers Group, Single Parents Group, and others
- Educational Services
Flu and pneumonia vaccines are available. Clinics may be scheduled. Call the VNA (203-269-1475) for more information.
WALLINGFORD HOUSING AUTHORITY
45 Tremper Drive (P.O. Box 415)
(203) 269-5173 Fax: (203) 269-5150
Director: Stephen Nere
1. Provision and maintenance of moderate income and elderly rental housing units.
Moderate Rental
# of Units
MR - 8A Ulbrich Heights
MR - 46 Ulbrich Heights Ext. 44
88
Elderly Rental # of Units
East Side Terrace
South Side Terrace
McGuire Court
McGuire Court
McKenna Court
Savage Commons
30
40
50
30
35
2. Provision of maintenance of "GAP" housing, units rent above the moderate income but below fair market rent.
GAP Housing # of Units
Ridgeland Road 32
3. Administer 25 Section 8 Certificates.
INLAND WETLANDS & WATERCOURSES COMMISSION
45 South Main Street, Room #G-40
294-2093
Environmental and Natural Resources Planner: Erin O'Hare
Review and approve applications which are environmentally sensitive - including but not limited to: wetlands impact, stream & waterbody encroachment, storm run-off impact.
Enforce inland wetlands regulations and approved permit conditions.
Act as staff liaison to Town Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC).
Assist applicants with technical advice and provide the public with guidance and information regarding wetlands issues.
DEPARTMENT OF LAW
45 South Main Street, Room #308
(203) 294-2140 Fax: (203) 294-2112
Town Attorney: Janis M. Small
Assistant Town Attorney: Gerald E. Farrell, Sr.
Corporation Counsel: Adam Mantzaris
1. The Department of Law:
Is the legal advisor to and represents the Town and all of its agencies, officers, board and commissions acting in an official capacity in all legal matters.
Appears for and protects the rights of the Town in all actions, suits or proceedings brought by or against it or any of its departments, officers, agencies, boards or commissions.
Furnishes, upon request, the Town’;s officers, departments, agencies, boards or commissions with written opinions on any questions of law involving their respective powers and duties.
Prepares or approves forms of contracts or other instruments to which the Town is a party, or has an interest.
Has the power, with approval of the Town Council, to compromise or settle any claims by or against the Town.
2. The Town Attorney:
is the administrative head of the Department of Law and is appointed by the Mayor. Or designee attends all meetings of the Town Council and meetings of other boards and commissions as may be necessary.
3. The Assistant Town Attorney is appointed by the Mayor and is employed as a part-time assistant to
the Town Attorney.
4. The Corporation Counsel is a member of the classified service and devotes full time to the duties of
this office.
MAYOR'S OFFICE
45 South Main Street, Room #310
(203) 294-2070 (TDD Available) Fax: (203) 294-2073

Mayor: William W. Dickinson, Jr.
Administrative Aide, ADA Coordinator & Fair Housing Officer: Joan M. Stave
The Mayor's Office acts as a clearinghouse for citizens inquiries. If a question cannot be answered by the Department itself, the Mayor s Office will make every effort to seek the requested information or direct the call to the proper Department.
The Office of the Mayor is the nucleus of Town Government and all departments are accountable to the Mayor.
The Administrative Aide acts as handicapped access coordinator and Fair Housing Officer for the Town.
Town of Wallingford Fair Housing Policy
The Town of Wallingford is committed to promote Fair Housing choice and not to discriminate against any person as prohibited in General Statutes 46a-64c as amended. Protected classes include: race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability, or dual orientation.
The Town is committed to promote racial and economic integration in any housing developed or supported with State of Connecticut funds being sought.
The Town has assigned Fair Housing responsibilities to Joan M. Stave, Administrative Aide, Town Hall, 45 South Main Street, Wallingford, Connecticut, 06492, 203-294-2070.
The Town is committed to informing applicants and beneficiaries and other affected parties of the procedures to be followed in filing a fair housing grievance with the Commissioner on Human Rights and Opportunities and /or Housing and Urban Development and to providing assistance needed to properly file.
This policy will be revised as needed in accordance with law.
This policy will be posted in Town offices and will be disseminated to applicants and beneficiaries, real estate offices, lending institutions, landlords and developers.
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
David Doherty Municipal Building
6 Fairfield Boulevard
(203) 294-2120 Fax: (203) 294-2127
Director: John Gawlak
Superintendent of Programs: Michelle Bjorkman
Asst. Supt. of Programs:
Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
1. There are 300 offerings each session (1,000 programs annually) which range from sports, arts and
trips, and which are geared to all ages.
2. Provides bookings for: gym facilities, ball fields, parks, tennis courts.
3. Community pool provides for summer swimming.
4. Oversees 2,000 acres of open space land, parks and ball fields.
5. Outdoor skating at Cheshire Road Open Space at Fresh Meadow Swamp, located on the corner of
Schoolhouse and Cheshire Roads.
PERSONNEL DEPARTMENT
Personnel, Pensions and Risk Management
45 South Main Street, Room #301
(203) 294-2080 Fax: (203) 294-2084
Personnel Director: Terence Sullivan
Assistant Personnel Director: James Hutt
Processes applications for employment.
Advertises and tests for open positions.
Benefits administration.
Respond to employment questions.
Risk Management
294-2130
Risk Manager: Kurt V. Treiber
Administers insurance coverages, workers' compensation benefits and safety.
Performs routine field inspections to identify Town risk exposures and advises management of potential sources of accidental loss.
Coordinates claim activities with the Town Attorney that have potential for litigation.

The Town of Wallingford is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate as to age, race, color, creed, marital status, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, disability or other protected status under state and federal laws.
PLANNING AND ZONING DEPARTMENT
45 South Main Street, Room #G-40
(203) 294-2090 Fax: (203) 294-2095
Town Planner: Linda A. Bush
Assistant Town Planner: Mark DeVoe
Review all development proposals and advise Planning and Zoning Commission if proposals submitted to them comply with Town regulations.
Coordinate application review with pertinent Town Departments.
Answer questions from residents, businesses, consultants, and developers pertaining to land use regulations within the Town.
Advise Planning and Zoning Commission on changes to zoning and subdivision regulation and zoning district boundaries.
Work with various state agencies in the review of local development projects, including the Department of Environmental Protection and Department of Transportation.
Respond to complaints about zoning violations.
Enforce sedimentation and erosion control regulations.
Serve as floodplain coordinator for the Town.
Provide staff assistance to the Conservation Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.
Works, as needed, with the Economic Development Coordinator on business recruitment.
Prepares plans (Plan of Development, parking) as needed.
Enforce sign regulations.
U.S. Census Liaison.
Organization, maintenance and archiving of all Planning & Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals records, files and maps.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
135 North Main Street
(203) 294-2800 Fax: (203) 294-2865
Administration: (203) 294-2828
Chief of Police: Douglas Dortenzio
Deputy Chief: Thomas J. Curran
Administrative Lieutenant:
1. Administration and management of the police department.
2. Budget formulation and fiscal management.
3. Establishment of goals, objectives and policies of the agency.
4. Recruits and selects employees.
5. Handles personnel matters.
6. The Chief of Police is the Legal Traffic Authority for the Town.
Communications Center/PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point)
(203) 294-2800
The newly developed Communications Center is staffed by civilian employees specifically trained to handle all 911 calls relating to Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services. The Center also handles all of the Police Department's routine calls for service.
Community Policing
(203) 294-2820
1. Work with residents and merchants to develop shared responsibility for both the prevention and detection of recurring criminal activity.
2. Analyze data and other appropriate information associated with recurring criminal activity.
3. Conduct criminal investigations as directed by the Chief of Police.
Crime Prevention
(203) 294-2820
Crime Prevention Officer DARE Officer 1. Develops and implements comprehensive crime and loss prevention programs for residential and businesses in Town.
2. Conducts residential and commercial security surveys free of charge upon request.
Detective Division
(203) 294-2845
Narcotics Officers: 294-2855 Narcotics 24-hr. Tip Line: 269-NARC 1. Investigates serious criminal cases.
2. Responsible for crime scene processing.
3. Recovery of stolen property.
4. Classification and maintenance of fingerprint and identification records.
5. Conducts comprehensive narcotics investigation.
Patrol Division
(203) 294-2800
Patrol Shift Commander: (203) 294-2805 1. Provides a wide range of assistance to citizens, including the investigation of routine complaints and response to emergency calls.
2. Maintains preventive patrol throughout the Town.
3. Responsible for law enforcement and public safety within the community.
Records Division
(203) 294-2810
1. Maintains/disseminates:
police incident and accident reports
criminal history record information
2. Processes requests for permits (e.g. bingo, raffle, bazaar, firearms, etc.).
3. Responsible for the inventory and disposal of property and evidence.
Traffic Division
(203) 294-2815
1. Investigation of motor vehicle accidents and traffic safety complaints.
2. Compiles and reviews traffic accident statistical data.
3. Conducts selective enforcement programs (e.g., radar, seatbelt and DWI).
4. Participates in traffic safety awareness programs at the local high school.
5. Enforces parking regulations.
Traffic Maintenance
(203) 294-2250 or 294-2815
1. Staffed by a civilian employee who works under the direction of the Lieutenant in charge of the Traffic Division.
2. Responds to traffic signal malfunctions and coordinates required repairs with the outside contractor.
3. Responsible for the installation of street and traffic regulatory signs..
4. Emplacement of traffic control signs and barricades for special events and emergencies.
Youth Division
(203) 294-2825
1. The Youth Officers handle:
Criminal matters involving children under 16 years of age.
Non-criminal matters involving children and youths under 18 years of age.
2. The Youth Officers provide:
Information and referral services for children and families.
Crisis intervention and emergency shelter.
Adolescent alcohol and drug abuse information, assessment and referral.
Safety and delinquency prevention program.
PROBATE COURT
45 South Main Street, Room #114
(203) 294-2100 Fax: (203) 294-2109
Judge: Philip A. Wright, Jr.
1. Decedents' Estates - Inform creditors, heirs and all interested parties on matters pertaining to estates, review and rule upon accountings, ascertain beneficiaries and ensure appropriate distribution.
2. Adoptions, Conservators, Termination of Parental Rights, Appointments of Trustees and Guardians - Provide proper information and guidance in how to handle matters pertaining to adoptions, conservatorships, termination of parental rights, appointment of guardians and trustees; review and rule upon fiduciary accountings.

3. Guardianships of the Mentally Retarded - Create and review guardianships for the mentally retarded.
4. Adult and Child Commitments - Conduct hearings for involuntary commitments to psychiatric facilities.
5. Change of Name - Process applications for change of name proceedings, and issuance of decrees for same.
6. Passports - Answer all inquiries pertaining to passports and accept passport applications.
7. Marriage Waivers - Grant waiver of blood test requirements and give permission for minors to marry under exceptional instance.
PROGRAM PLANNING
45 South Main Street, Room #311
(203) 294-2060
State and Federal Program Administrator: Donald W. Roe
Resource Recovery Project Coordinator: Doreen Zaback
EDC Business Recruiter: Doreen M. DeSarro
1. Grants writing and administration.
2. Monitors Federal and State legislation and regulations.
3. Acts as Economic Development Coordinator and staff of Economic Development Commission.
Works closely with state, regional and local organizations to promote the economic well being of the community.
Maintains a database of available commercial and industrial properties and will assist firms interested in relocating into or expanding within Wallingford.
Provides financial and demographic information upon request.
For on-line information available on available sites and property, use the Site Finder on the CT Economic Resource Center site.
For business and additional economic development information available on-line, go to the web site for the Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce.
4. Monitors and answers questions about Town Recycling, Compost and Resident Disposal programs.
5. Coordinates between municipality and CRRA for solid waste disposal.
6. Assists with Adopt-A-Road Program.
7. Coordinates between municipality and Household HazWaste Central, the place to dispose of
residential hazardous waste.
WALLINGFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
200 North Main Street
(203) 265-6754 Fax: (203) 269-5698
http://beta.blogger.com/aaa/www.wallingford.lioninc.org
Library Directors: Leslie Scherer, Karen Roesler
Main Library
Hours: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
(Closed Saturdays during the summer)
Sundays Call Library for hours
Yalesville Branch Library
Hours: Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Saturdays 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
(Closed Saturdays during the summer)
The library provides the following services:
1. A collection of books, magazines, newspapers, video and audio tapes, compact discs, and more which is continuously updated. In addition, the library also provides access to millions of other books at libraries across Connecticut and the United States.
2. Information and patron assistance in person, by telephone and via the worldwide web.
3. Public access to the Internet, and other online and CD-rom databases.
4. Specially scheduled programs of educational interest for children and adults, such as story hours, school visits, book discussions, music and film programs.
5. Space which is handicapped accessible for persons to read, do research, homework, read newspapers and magazines, consult microfilm and online resources, and browse.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES
100 John Street
(203) 294-2263
Director: Raymond F. Smith
EMERGENCY AFTER HOURS - WATER/SEWER/ELECTRIC DIV. - 265-5055
Electric Division
100 John Street
The Electric Division provides electric energy to customers in Wallingford and a portion of Northford and maintains the municipal street light system.
General Manager: Richard A. Hendershot
Assistant General Manager: Michael C. Holmes
Business Office: (203) 294-2020 Fax: (203) 294-2027
Office Manager: Thomas Sullivan
Operations Office (203) 294-2265 Fax: (203) 294-2267
Water & Sewer Divisions
377 South Cherry Street
Fax: (203) 949-2678
The Water and Sewer Divisions provide water and sewer service to a large portion of the Town of Wallingford.
General Manager: 949-2670 Roger M. Dann
Senior Engineer: 949-2672 Vincent M. Mascia
Office Manager: 949-2666 Richard T. Cassello
Water Superintendent: 949-2666 Rick C. Vanski
Water Treatment Plant: 949-2675
Sewer Superintendent: 949-2677 James R. Kirkland
Sewer Treatment Plant: 949-2677
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
29 Town Farm Road 294-2105 Fax: 294-2107
Director of Public Works: Henry McCully
Superintendent of Public Works: Edward J. Niland
Duties performed:
1. Roads:
Pave, chip seal, reconstruct and patch roads.
Clean, repair and/or install drainage and catch basins.
Repair and/or install curbs.
Plow and sand and removal of snow.
Remove snow from Town-owned sidewalks and parking lots.
Roadside mowing.
2. Maintenance of Parks and Buildings:
Maintain Municipal buildings.
Maintain all parks.
Set up reviewing stands.
3. Solid Waste:
Issue Commercial Hauler Permits.
Issue Senior Citizen Permits and Coupons.
Spring cleanup.
Leaf pickup and recycling.
Christmas tree pickup and recycling.
4. Other:
Tree and stump removal on Town property.
Assist Sheriff with evictions.
Maintenance of Fire, Police, Public Works Department and car pool vehicles.
General trash removal from Town properties only.
REGISTRAR OF VOTERS
45 South Main Street, Room #211
(203) 294-2125
Registrars: Diana Hotchkiss
Chester Miller


The Office of the Registrar of Voters provides services to the residents of the Town of Wallingford. Some of these services are:
1. Voter Registration; Enrollment Registration
Registrars available daily, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., to register voters.
Special sessions at election time on Saturdays and evenings.
Special sessions at other field locations such as high schools, public and private locations.
Witness signing of absentee ballots at area nursing homes.
Process and acknowledge mail-in registration.
Provide cross-town registration.
2. Voter Information:
Service to residents regarding questions pertaining to elections, primaries and other state laws.
Service to candidates by providing voter lists and information regarding their constituents.
3. Voter Lists:
Daily updating voter lists.
Up-to-date computerized information prepared by staff.
Available to all candidates.
Annual mailing removal notices to non-residents.
Maintenance of alphabetical card file of all voters.
Maintenance of voting lists for each district.
4. Voting Machines:
Responsibility to provide sufficient machines for each election.
Maintenance and storage of voting machines.
Responsibility to train and acquire competent machine mechanics to inspect and prepare machines for voting.
5. Elections and Primaries:
Selection of polling areas.
Providing voting machines for each polling area.
Instruction to election officials.
Providing election official for each polling area.
Installation of telephones at each polling area.
SPANISH COMMUNITY OF WALLINGFORD
284 Washington Street
(203) 265-5866 Fax: (203) 294-2256
Executive Director: Blanca Santana
1. We specialize in service to the Spanish speaking community and provide the following:
Transportation and interpreters to and from doctors, hospitals, Social Security office, etc. (donations accepted).
Advice concerning consumer protection, food stamps; what agencies to contact for special needs. We also advise on personal problems; we listen and try to resolve them in any way possible.
Clerical services: We translate and fill out all types of forms, type letters, make phone calls to employers, etc. We also notarize forms that need a notary seal.
Free tutoring in basic reading and writing and English as a second language (coordinated with the Literacy Volunteers and Adult Education).
Employment service.
Clothes for the needy.
2. We encourage:
Spanish community participation in federal, state and local activities or celebrations.
Self-sufficiency by referring members of the Spanish speaking community to Adult Education for English class.
TOWN CLERK'S OFFICE
45 South Main Street, Room #108
(203) 294-2145 Fax: (203) 294-2150
Town Clerk: Barbara Thompson
Asst. Town Clerk: Mary Beth Trautman
Asst. Town Clerk: Susan Colberg
1. Elections - National, State, Municipal and Special
Absentee Ballots
-- Application
-- Print ballots
-- Issue ballots
-- Check voter list and distribute ballots to ballot counters
Voting Machines
-- Print labels
-- Provide keys and seals
-- Petitions
-- Signature checking
-- Verification
General
-- Instruction to Election Officials
-- Distribution of materials
-- Record results
-- Advertisements
-- Keeper of records and reports
-- Campaign financing
2. Vital Statistics - Birth, marriage, certificates and burial, cremation and disinterment permits
Issue certified copies of birth, marriage and certificates to general public
Issue burial, cremation and disinterment permits to funeral directors
Record and index all vital statistics
3. Records
Land records including deeds, liens and releases
Appointments to boards and commission
Meeting notices and minutes of boards and commissions
Maps and surveys
Vital statistics
Town records
Liquor permits
Trade names
Claims against the Town
Military discharges
Notary Public appointments
4. Licenses Issued
Hunting, fishing, combination licenses and various forms
Marriage licenses
Dog licenses - June is Dog Licensing Month!
5. Miscellaneous
Certified voter ID cards
Service of Notary Public
Photocopy all public records on file
Attends all Council meetings
Issues duck stamps
Gives oath to all officers
Advertises all public hearings
Paperwork for Bonding Ordinances
TOWN COUNCIL
45 South Main Street, Room #220
(203) 294-2155 Fax: (203) 294-0180
Members:
Secretary: Robert F. Parisi, Chairman
Stephen W. Knight, Vice Chairman
Michael Brodinsky
Vincenzo M. DiNatale
Lois Doherty
Gerald E. Farrell, Jr.
Iris F. Papale
Rosemary Rascati
Vincent F. Testa, Jr.
Sandra Weekes
The Town Council acts as the legislative body for the community.
Important duties include:
1. Appropriation of all funds.
2. Adoption of all ordinances
3. Holds the power to purchase land or receive gifts on behalf of the Town.
4. Exercises legislative oversight over boards appointed by the Town Council.
Regular Council meetings are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month.
VETERANS SERVICE CENTER of MERIDEN-WALLINGFORD
45 South Main Street, Room #213
(203) 294-2165 Fax: (203) 294-2137
Director: Catherine Riccio
1. Give information to all Wallingford and Meriden residents who are eligible for veteran’s benefits and refer them to proper agencies, as needed.
2. Assist veterans, widows, dependent parents, dependent children and orphans by completing applications to obtain federal and state benefits.
Federal benefits:
(1) Applications for:
compensation (service-connected disabilities)
pension (non-service connected disability benefits
V.A. hospital treatment
G.I. school, home loans and insurance
burial allowance
headstones
(2) Outreach - mailings to local veterans organizations with updates from the VA Regional Office in Hartford on veteran benefits. o State benefits: (1) Applications for:
the $485 educational assistance for children of servicemen killed in action or totally disabled.
admittance to the Veterans Home and Hospital located in Rocky Hill.
burial in the State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
payment of cost to install federal grave-markers in private cemeteries.
assistance through the State Soldiers', Sailors' and Marines' Fund.
WALLINGFORD CENTER, INC.
261 Center Street
(203) 284-1807 Fax: (203) 284-1046
Executive Director: Caryl Ryan
1. Wallingford Center, Inc. is a private non-profit organization, whose purpose is to further the common good and general welfare of the entire community by coordinating revitalization, restoration and beautification efforts as well as promoting the center of Wallingford. WCI seeks to engage the entire community in the effort to make downtown Wallingford a focal point of activity and community pride.
2. Produces Celebrate Wallingford, Season of Celebration and Holiday Lighting Program.
3. Developed the Buy a Brick program, which is still in effect.
4. Wallingford Center, Inc. is always looking for volunteers. Call Caryl Ryan at 284-1807 if you want to get involved.
WALLINGFORD COMMITTEE ON AGING
Wallingford Senior Center
238 Washington Street
(203) 265-7753 Fax: (203) 284-9953
email: wlfdsenior.ctr@snet.net
Executive Director: William T. Viola
1. The mission of the Wallingford Senior Center is to provide services and programs for older adults of
the Wallingford community that enhance their dignity, support their independence and invite their
involvement in community life.
2. The Wallingford Senior Center functions as a multipurpose facility in accordance with the standards
developed by the National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and National Institute of Senior Centers
(NISC). The Center is open to all Wallingford residents, age 60 and over and to their families and
caregivers.
3. The Senior Center offers:
Monthly newsletter for registered members
Information, referrals and assistance
Transportation within Town
Family and caregiver support
Nutritious hot lunches
Health and wellness classes and programs
Registered nurse on site
Fitness classes and groups
Social worker on site
Volunteer opportunities
Leisure activities: educational, recreational & travel opportunities
Daily Activities for Independence Program (therapeutic activity for individuals requiring special assistance)
YOUTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
David Doherty Municipal Building
6 Fairfield Boulevard
(203) 294-2175 Fax: (203) 294-2127
Director: Craig Turner
Program Coordinator: Janice Server
Assistant Program Coordinator:
Counselor: Richard Ruotolo
Caseworker: Marion Zambory
The Wallingford Department of Youth and Social Services provides programs, activities and services that promote both a positive, healthy community and develop healthy, capable young people and families. We also provide services to families in need during times of crisis. Our programs and activities include:
Champions For Youth Program (developing positive community environment for youth and families)
Family Day Celebrations
High School Peer Advocate Program (students helping students)
Project Graduation (substance free graduation party for senior high schools)
T.W.I.G. (Intergenerational garden project for elementary/ middle school children and senior citizens)
Young Astronauts Club (club activity for grades 5-8)
Babysitting Course (middle school students)
Summer Youth Employment/Job Bank
Youth Counseling
Crisis referral
Information Resource Center
Red Ribbon Week (anti drunk driving and drinking program)
Youth Recognition Awards (Presidential Award for Community Service)
Mayor's Council on Substance Abuse Prevention
Board for Youth
Safe Homes/Healthy Homes Programs
Educational Programs (Parenting, Tobacco, Alcohol, Child Development)
Emergency Fuel Assistance
Salvation Army Assistance Programs
Crisis Assistance Services
Holiday Assistance Programs.

Mid December 2006 Poems

Come All Ye Faithful
By Alfred Mueller
Explosions in Iraq.
Violent death for thousands.
Red river of murder flows on and on.
Darkness has descended on our world.

Lights glitter in America's
hamlets, malls and homes.
"Joy to the world the Lord has come ..."
"O, come all ye faithful..."
solemnly sung in sanctuaries.
Brightly-wrapped gifts honor
the non-violent Prince of Peace.
Not just feel-good aesthetics.
Also a call to witness against
the American warlord.



'Twas the month after Christmas”
Submitted by M. Houde

'Twas the month after Christmas,and all through the houseNothing would fit me,not even a blouse.The cookies I'd nibbled,the eggnog I'd tasteAt the holiday partieshad gone to my waist.When I got on the scalesthere arose such a number!When I walked to the store(less a walk than a lumber).
I'd remember the marvelous mealsI'd prepared;The gravies and saucesand beef nicely rare,The wine and the rum balls,the bread and the cheeseAnd the way I'd never said,"No thank you, please." As I dressed myselfin my husband's old shirt
And prepared once againto do battle with dirt---I said to myself,as I only can"You can't spend a winterdisguised as a man!"
So--away with the lastof the sour cream dip,Get rid of the fruit cake,every cracker and chipEvery last bit of foodthat I like must be banished"Till all the additional ounceshave vanished. I won't have a cookie--not even a lick.I'll want only to chewon a long celery stick.I won't have hot biscuits,or corn bread, or pie,I'll munch on a carrotand quietly cry.
I'm hungry, I'm lonesome,and life is a bore---But isn't that whatJanuary is for?Unable to giggle,no longer a riot.Happy New Year to alland to all a good diet!

YesteryearHot summer days of years gone byLong before free agents, lawyers and lies Higher mounds and pitchers with batsJoyous fans with wool felt hats Yogi, Dizzy and PeeweePlayers many a fan dreamed to be Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and Sportsman ParkWin a free suit! Just hit it off Abe Stark Oh, how we miss those dog days of yesteryearThose memories are our only souvenir
KnucklerIt’s erratic and spinless in flightBouncing and dipping to the pitchers delightThe batter swings mighty and boldLooking like he is wearing a blindfoldStrike three - the ump yellsAnother hitter makes his farewellThat wacky Knuckler is a thing of beautyand brings new meaning to hazardous duty


Broadcast
He embarked on his journey to the mound
Disappointment lurked beneath his frown

A couple of pointers and he was gone
Back to the dugout with plans redrawn

The hurler had fired his pitch
You could clearly see the manager twitch

The batter had belted a blast
That was the end of the broadcast

Chin Music
Digging in with a sinister grin
The pivotal duel was about to begin

Each pitch thrown with forceful might
Exploding into the mitt like dynamite

Armed with lumber and a menacing stare
Hitting pieces and parts, but nothing fair

The next one sailed high and tight
Knocked to the ground on a midsummer night

Another victim of a dirty old trick
They call it - old fashioned chin music

Keith Collins - 2006 - Saugus, MA


Birding during migration days!

The Loon is the special bird of Ontario,
which I missed on my visit to Belleville, Ont. recently.
However, there were geese with their goslings in tow,
testing the waters of Lake Ontario.
It's a place where I've never been before.

Birding makes me relax and know happiness.
I saw a one-year-old green Scarlet Tanager, and
was told that it would turn Scarlet as it grew older.
A beautiful bird.
Other birders were putting tags on migrating birds.

Now that I'm aging, what are the things that make me happy?
Playing my oboe with friends makes me happy.
Making my own pots makes me happy!
(There are two new serving dishes that are drying,
ready to be fired in a friend's kiln).

Sending and receiving messages from friends
make me happy.
Retirement is lovely time of life.
Phyllis


Get this message to your head.
Animals are just the same as us.
They have the right to live in this world as we do.
Do not ask if this true, because it is.

Ginger Ciabaurri, age 9

I once had a friend
By Valerie Hettrich For: K

I once had a friend............
I once had a friend who said: I have never had a friend like you~you listen, you are kind, and you are genuine.
I once had a friend who said: you bring joy and light into my life.
I once had a friend who said: I love you and I would do anything for you.
I once had a friend who said: I am your friend until one of us says "I quit" or one of us dies.
I once had a friend who: took me from the darkness and brought me into the light.
I once had a friend who: could make me laugh at any time of the day or night.
I once had a friend who: I could tell every confidence to.
I once had a friend who: never let me feel alone or blue.
I once had a friend: with whom I had a big fight.
I once had a friend: with whom I tried to make everything right.
I once had a friend: who I only miss in the space between morning and night.
I once had a friend: who I will miss for the rest of my life.


Patience: by Ava Paquin, age 11
I would like to learn patience from a cloud,
waiting for the wind to blow and change its shape;
waiting for the sun to go down and change its colors;
waiting for the water to rise up again so it can rain; and
waiting for the wind to blow it to a new place


Rain

A lovely shade of gray, today,
The clouds begin to cry
On a quiet rainy day,
You might hear angels sigh.

My happiness is with the clouds
And thunder way up high,
I’ll gladly bid farewell to sun
And to the deep, blue sky.

Rain brings blossoms in the spring
And cools the summer’s air,
Until the rain in autumn turns
To snow in winter’s bare.

~By Laura Montgomery

To Ride Across the Dusky Sky

In moments of dreams, and reams of thought,
One might contemplate a bicycle ride across the sky.
Not unlike the popular alien and his amazed pals,
Seeing the gradual fading of day and sun, on the run,
Patchworks of land, crops, and edifices lay out below,
A view of common respect of wry hawks and eagles,
Who contemplate the quarry and plunge in dives.
Flight in all its forms and variety is lusted after,
By all that would defy the prison of gravity, embrace air,
In the spiritual envelopment of all the Angels, now and to come,
Beyond the effervescent, ever-eternal oases of free.

Mid December 2006 News, Events and Activities

Is there a new Computer for the kids? Tips for Kids on the World Wide Web!!!U.S. Department of Justice's Guide to Internet Do's and Don'ts
*Do not give out personal information such as your full name, email address, address, and location of your school without your parents' permission.
*Tell your parents right away if you come across any information that makes you feel uncomfortable.
*Never agree to get together with someone you "meet" online without first checking with your parents. If your parents agree to the meeting, be sure that it is in a public place and bring your mother or father along.
*Never send a person your picture or anything else without first checking with your parents.
*Do not respond to any messages that are mean or in any way make you feel uncomfortable. It is not your fault if you get a message like that. If you do, tell your parents right away so that they can contact the Internet service provider.
*Do not give out your Internet password to anyone (even your best friends) other than your parents.
*Be a good on-line citizen and do not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.


A Christmas Card to Send.
When you are making out your Christmas card list this year, please include a card to:
A Recovering American Soldierc/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center6900 Georgia Avenue, NWWashington D.C. 20307-5001


Quinnipiac River Fund Provides an Opportunity for a Cleaner Environment
The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven announces that the 2007 Quinnipiac River Fund grant applications are now available. Grants will be awarded to applicants with a preference to proposals that address the following: effects of the oyster industry and how it can help reduce or remediate pollution on the organisms of the River; research methods of reducing pollution, or otherwise improving the River’s environmental health; researching the permitting process and looking at the permits themselves; environmental advocacy, except litigation; studying the ecology of the Quinnipaic River and the New Haven Harbor; providing public education about the Quinnipaic River and it’s watershed; purchasing land on the Quinnipac River for conservation purposes, or to reduce pollution and improve public access to the River. The Quinnipiac River Fund was established in 1990 by a court settlement of litigation between the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, the Natural Resource Defense Council and the Upjohn Company concerning wastewater discharges from Upjohn’s plant in North Haven. The settling parties agreed that the net income, and in extenuating circumstances, principal of the fund was to be used to, “improve the environmental quality of the Quinnipiac River and the New Haven Harbor and the watersheds of these water bodies, and otherwise to benefit the environment of these resources.” Applications are due to The Community Foundation at 70 Audubon Street, New Haven, CT 06510 no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2007; applications are available online at http://www.cfgnh.org/. Questions regarding the application preparation process should be directed to Kim Sanders-Croom, associate philanthropic officer, at ksanderscroom@cfgnh.org or 203-777-2386x218. Since 1928, donors to The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven have built the community’s endowment currently valued at approximately $250 million. In 2005, The Foundation Board of Directors distributed over $14 million in grants from over 600 different named charitable funds supporting a wide range of programs and projects. The Foundation’s service area encompasses: Ansonia, Bethany, Branford, Cheshire, Derby, East Haven, Guilford, Hamden, Madison, Milford, New Haven, North Branford, North Haven, Orange, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Wallingford, West Haven and Woodbridge. For more information about The Community Foundation visit www.cfgnh.org.


Meriden YMCA Christmas Dinner Story
Meriden YMCA Christmas dinner is strong tradition 26 years in the making. Your Meriden YMCA will once again hold its Annual Christmas Dinner at the Downtown YMCA on Christmas Day. YMCA staff and volunteers are prepared to meet hundreds of folks who congregate together in the gymnasium where a complete Roast Beef dinner with all the trimmings will be served.
The dinner is served at noon, but the work of preparing the dinners begins in the wee hours of the morning. Volunteers can be found hovering over the ovens at Fishers deli and carefully preparing as assortment of vegetables and desserts that will be served later. Several of the volunteer cooks have offered their services for 11 years now. They look forward each year to preparing the feast.
The success of the dinner really does rely almost entirely on volunteer effort. Under the direction of Tom Trevethan, YMCA facilities manager, the 50 or so volunteers cook, set up, deliver food to the homebound and when the meal is over, clean up.
One of the best features of the day is the arrival of Santa Claus who brings a huge sack filled with toys. The guests will make request for presents based on children’s ages as volunteers sift through to find the surprise gifts. For some, these will be the only gifts they receive this Christmas. The toys are provided through the generosity of individual donation each year.
Many individuals contribute generously to provide the makings of the dinner. The Y is grateful for these and the corporate sponsors who help make the dinner possible. Donations of any size are always welcomed. Anyone interested in attending the dinner or who is homebound and would like to receive a dinner, please call the YMCA at 235-6386 to make reservations.
PLEASE, PLEASE Help us to serve so many by making a financial donation or a food donation. Call Tom at 203-235-6386.

Martin Luther King—Albert Owens Scholarship, Inc.
Meriden, CT. 06450-1019
P.O. Box 2672
1-203-235-5571
The Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship Fund, Inc. (The Fund) is a non-profit organization. The fund’s goal is to assist exemplary young people to achieve their educational goals. It is for this reason that I again approach you. Your past support is deeply appreciated and I thank you for it. The fund faces daily, the need to meet increasing costs of financial assistance with limited resources. Your continued support is critical to meet the demand. We will be compiling a souvenir journal and would like to request your support. You may purchase an ad in the journal for the following rates:
Full Page---$100.00
½ Page---$50.00
¼ Page---$25.00
Person Patron Space---$10.00
Donation---
Please supply camera-ready art for your ad. Make checks payable to MLK/AO Scholarship Fund. Mail checks and art to The Martin Luther King/Albert Owens Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2672, Meriden CT. 06450-1019. Deadline for your tax-deductible ad is no later than 01/05/2007. The journals will be distributed at our annual scholarship breakfast, which will be held at Francis T. Maloney High School on 121 Gravel Street in Meriden, CT. on January 15, 2007. Join us in our effort to help a young person attain his or her dream of continuing education. Please consider advertising your business and join us at the breakfast. Thank you for your support in keeping the dream alive.
Sincerely,
Rhudean S. Raye
Founder/Chairperson

A Meriden YMCA Tradition….
Christmas Dinner
With all the fixings.
Roast Beef, Potatoes, Vegetables, Breads,
Desserts, Beverages, etc…
Monday, December 25, 2006
12:00-1:30 p.m.
Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street, Meriden CT. 06451
The Meriden YMCA is able to deliver meals for the housebound who cannot attend.
Call to make reservations @ 203-235-6386
Special visit anticipated by Santa Claus.

Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club Holiday Social
The WALLINGFORD JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB will hold their Monthly Meeting and Holiday Social on Wednesday, December 20, 2006, 7:00 PM, at the home of Marion Grabowy, 25 Winding Brook Road, Wallingford. Members are reminded to bring their donation for the Red Cross Adopt-a-Family and Grab Bag.
The Wallingford Junior Woman’s Club is a non-profit, civic organization, open to women ages 18 and up, that promotes educational, philanthropic and community service work for 52 years.
Any woman interested in learning more about this service organization, may Contact Mimi La France, Membership Chairwoman (203-284-8544) or Kathy Schave, President (203-949-1638).

Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce News and Events
Season’s Greetings, Happy Holidays & all that Jazz! We thank those members who attended our Holiday Business After Hours Event on December 5th at Il Monticello. Our sponsors for the evening were Executive Auto Group; A.R. Mazzotta Employment Specialists; New England Enterprises; Residential Home Funding Corp.; Suzio York Hill Companies; Silver City Sound and Video Productions; CT Academy of Ballet & Performing Arts. Close to 200 people enjoyed holiday networking at the festive affair and bidding on the silent auction items that benefited the Meriden YMCA! A tremendous number of toys were collected and were distributed the following day to the following members: Fischer’s (they are collecting for Chrysalis); Catholic Charities; and Women & Families Center. Thanks again for sharing in this great event! We hope you will join us at some of these upcoming events – remember, these events are open to all members and their employees – get out and promote your business and have some fun, too!
Final Bicentennial Event of the Year – the Bicentennial Reception: Thursday, December 14th from 5-8 p.m. at the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center. All are invited to the wrap up celebration for the Bicentennial Year! The event is sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee. Refreshments will be served and there will be an awards presentation for trees and this will be the last night to bid on trees. A brief closing program will outline the culmination of the 2006 Bicentennial year events. Bicentennial commemorative merchandise will be for sale. For details call 203-639-2856.
Business BEFORE Hours at Café Dolce! Friday, December 15th from 8-9:30 a.m. at 33 West Main Street, Meriden, CT 06451. Join us for some fantastic a.m. holiday networking in Meriden's newest downtown café! Bring plenty of business cards! Meet Sara Owen & her staff while enjoying Café Dolce refreshments – it’s a GREAT way to start your day! RSVP: mailto:membership@meridenchamber.com?subject=BBH-DEC
Holiday Friend & Fundraiser hosted by the Chamber’s Hispanic Member Outreach Committee – Tuesday, December 19th from 5:30 – 8 p.m. at Club Impulz, Colony Street, Meriden. All are invited (open to the public) to this special event to raise funds for education awards for Hispanic Meriden students! Monetary donation of choice will be accepted. There will be a basket raffle and 50-50 raffle in addition to fantastic food, cash bar, great entertainment & more! RSVP: mailto:membership@meridenchamber.com?subject=HMOC-Holiday
Meriden Night at Bridgeport Sound Tigers! Friday, December 29th, 600 Main St - Bridgeport, CT 06604. Celebrate the New Year with a great game: Bridgeport Sound Tigers vs. Hartford Wolfpack. This special event includes: Meet and Greet session 1 hour before game, exclusively on the 3rd floor Tiger’s Den club lounge (Arena Doors Open at 6:30pm); Fully catered event with cash bar PRE-GAME ONLY from 6:30pm-7:30pm; Tickets are just $20.00 each (which includes ticket to game + food); The Chamber will be greeted over the P.A. system and on digital display boards; All Meriden Chamber attendees will be seated together; and attendees are invited to our complimentary post game autograph session! Meet local professionals eager to help grow your business; Expand your sales team by being part of a dynamic group; Have fun and develop camaraderie with your peers... Please make checks payable to Bridgeport Sound Tigers - no later than Thursday December 28th 2pm to: Gwen Pointer - Bridgeport Sound Tigers, 600 Main St - Bridgeport, Ct 06604, Also you can email your order to anthony@soundtigers.com.**TICKET SPECIAL IS VALID FOR PRE-SALE ONLY: NOT AVAILABLE AT BOX OFFICE** Tickets will be mailed to you upon receipt of order. Contact: Gwen Pointer, Manager, Corporate Partnership with the Sound Tigers at 203-334-4625 ext. 329

Movie Review
By Barbara Sherburne
The Nativity Story is just unbelievable. The detail of the life back in those days was amazing. The costumes were amazing. I did not know a single actor, and they were all fantastic and perfect for their parts. The gal who portrayed Mary reminded me of the gal in Romeo and Juliet, Olivia Hussey. (That actress later, Olivia, portrayed a Biblical figure, and I can't remember what that film was right now.) The actors were from Israel, Italy, France, and America, according to the casting credits. It was just an incredible film, and it was tear-jerking in that it invoked such emotions from me regarding the birth of Christ and what it meant for the future. The movie only went so far as His birth, and brought the wise men too soon, but I had no problem with that at all. I noticed that a woman directed the film and was also a producer. Whatever scenes involved bloodshed were very minimal and showed little, for which I was thankful. I looked on my video cassette to see when Titanic was produced, which was 1997, the last film I saw in a theater. I had forgotten how large the movie theater screens are and how loud everything is, but I adjusted to it in time. Being the only person in the theater at the time of the showing had a special feeling for me. It was as if the movie were being shown just for me. I would have sobbed much more than I did at the end, but I knew I had to go to work shortly thereafter, and I controlled my feelings. However, it touched me deeply. I am hoping the woman who directed this movie will do another one, going on with Christ's life. I was left wanting a great deal more. No matter what the critics have written about this movie, believe them not. The three wise men, Herod, Herod's son, Joseph, Mary, Mary's parents and relatives, they are all phenomenal actors. The scenery and depiction of Christ's time were breath-taking. I would recommend this to anyone, even those of Jewish faith. I recognized many Hebrew phrases spoken because of my years of singing with the Cantica Hebraica in New York City, but there were no subtitles. I don't think it matters for those who do not speak Hebrew, but I would recommend this movie to people of all faiths. It truly has a great message to offer. And the music was beautiful. Go see it.

Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class At Temple B’nai Abraham
Have you always wanted to celebrate your bar or bat mitzvah (coming of age/ reaffirmation of commitment to Judaism)? Please join us on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham at 127 East Main Street in Meriden as Rabbi Gloria S. Rubin teaches how to lead a service, polish your prayer book Hebrew, learn to read Torah, and understand the content and meaning of our prayers. Pre-requisite: a basic knowledge of Hebrew reading (ability to decode words - even slowly). For more information, please call (203) 235-2581.About Temple B’nai AbrahamTemple B'nai Abraham is a Conservative synagogue which provides religious, educational and social programming for all age groups in a warm, extended family atmosphere. Shabbat services are egalitarian, and feature congregational singing. All are welcome.
Meriden YMCA Swimming News and Events
MERIDEN YMCA BEGINS REGISTRATION FOR LIFEGUARD COURSE
The Meriden YMCA is conducting registration for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Participants are required to attend the following 9 Classes: Saturday(12-6p.m.): Jan. 27; Sundays(12-6p.m.): Jan. 28 & Feb 4; Tuesdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, and Thursdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & Feb. 8.
Jamie Tennyson will be the instructor. This course will include the following certifications: CPR/FPR, First Aid and Safety and AED. Telephone registrations are being taken with a major credit card or one can register in person at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street. Pre-registration is required for this class. For further information or to register; Please call (203)235-6386 ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA OFFERSAMERICAN RED CROSS BABYSITTING CERTIFICATION COURSE
This certification program is designed for today’s 11-15 year olds. This training course gives participants the knowledge, skills and confidence to care for infants through school-aged children. This program addresses safety issues, preventing injuries and illnesses, basic child care, first aid, decision making skills and age appropriate behavior and play. Participants learn by doing and are required to demonstrate several first aid skills including rescue breathing and dealing with a choking victim.
Class will take place on Mon, February 19th & Wed, Feb. 21st From 6:00-9:00p.m. Participants must attend both evenings. Pre-registration is required. Please contact the Meriden YMCA at 235-6386 to register today!
COME JOIN MERIDEN YMCA’S MASTERS ADULT SWIM PROGRAM
This program is designed for those adults 19 years of age and older who wish to workout with other adults accompanied by a certified swim coach. The purpose of this program is to promote fun, fitness, safety and possibly competition for all participants of whatever level of ability and interest.
The Winter Program will run from Jan. 3 – March 22. Practice Sessions are Mon & Wed> 7:30-8:45p.m and Thursdays> 8:00-9:00p.m. For further information or to register; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203)235-6386; ext 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA YOUTH SWIM TEAM IS INVITING NEW PARTICIPANTS!
The Meriden YMCA has begun it’s registration for the youth swim team. 4 levels of participation are available ranging from the Beginner Swimmer(Bronze) to the Intermediate Swimmer(Silver) to Advanced Swimmer(Gold); Most Advanced Swimmer(Sr. Gold). Participants can choose the days they attend their practice sessions. Bronze swimmers practice from 6-7p.m. Silver swimmers practice from 5:30-7:00p.m. and the Sr.Gold/ Gold swimmers practice from 4-6p.m. Certified Coaches are available 5 days a week. 2 Certified Lifeguards are also on duty.
A USS swimming division is also available for those swimmers who wish to compete on a more often basis with other organizations in addition to the YMCA League.
Pro-rated fees apply for those athletes who wish to start later on in the season due to outside conflicts.
For further information; please contact Lisa Hoover: (203)235-6386; ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com

2007 MERIDEN PROJECT GRADUATION
needs parents of all Platt, Maloney and Wilcox students to share your thoughts and ideas for the all night drug and alcohol free party that is thrown for our graduates at the end of the school year. This event is supported by the entire community but cannot go on without parental support! Mark your calendars for the following upcoming meetings and plan to join us. All meetings begin at 7:00 p.m.
January 3, 2007 @ Maloney
February 7, 2007 @ Wilcox
March 7, 2007 @ Platt
April 11, 2007 @ Maloney
May 2, 2007 @ Wilcox
Any questions, please contact the following Project Graduation Committee members: Ray Moncevicius 235-4256 romaldasm@aol.com or Ginnie Patsos 235-1514 ginnie211@cox.net.
Thank you for your continued support in making our yearly Project Graduation party a success!

Children First Initiative Announces Grant SupportMeriden Children First Initiative is proud to announce that its 'Senior Buddy Readers' program was recently awarded grants of support from The Napier Foundation for $5,500 and The Verizon Foundation for $2,500(Verizon Wireless New England). Grant funding from these donors exemplify Meriden's business and community commitment toward Children First's early literacy efforts and will allow for the continued expansion of the SeniorBuddy Readers program well into 2007. Senior Buddy Readers is an intergenerational literacy and mentoring program, designed to boost the reading skills and self-esteem of at-risk 1st and 2nd graders. The program is currently in its fifth year of operation, taking place at five of Meriden's elementary schools. To date, 87 volunteers are helping over 200 children improve their reading skills.For more information about Senior Buddy Readers or to find out how you can make a tax-deducible donation, please contact David Radcliffe, Director of non-profit Meriden Children First Initiative, at 630-3566, orvisit http://www.meridenchildrenfirst.org/.






JUMP RIGHT IN!
AMERICAN RED CROSS
GUARD START- LIFEGUARDING TOMORROW
FOR 6TH-9TH GRADERS is coming to the Wallingford Family YMCA.

This is a program designed to guide youth interested in lifeguarding by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. This foundation consists of 5 categories: Prevention, Fitness, Response, Leadership, and Professionalism. This program does not certify participants as lifeguards. It is an effective transition from upper-level swim lessons, as well as swim team, to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program when 15 years of age.
Participants must be at the Minnow level of swim lessons or above.
HOLIDAY CLASS T-W-TH-F DEC. 26-29
3-4:30PM
SESSION 1 CLASS: BEGINS JAN. 8, 2007
MONDAYS 3:30-4:45PM

MEMBERS: $75 Includes participant workbook and shirt!
PROGRAM MEMBERS: $100



http://www.wallingfordymca.org/ 203 269 4497



Give the gift of PRESENCE
Bring joy to someone's life this holiday season and beyond. The greatest gift you can give is the gift of presence. Being a volunteer means becoming a member of a caring and compassionate hospice team. Hospice is about living every day to its fullest...it's all about quality not quantity of life. There are many volunteer opportunities available.... companionship, respite for weary caregivers, visiting patients with your pet, sharing your musical or artistic talents, or helping in the office. You choose what's best for you! Training to become a hospice volunteer with Connecticut VNA's hospice will be starting soon in our Wallingford office. We offer a Medicare approved volunteer training as well as continuing education and support. Make it your new year's resolution to begin the hospice volunteer journey today - call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-679-5342.

Looking for moms to join a new local mom's group. It's my pleasure to establish a new group called Mothers and Children or MAC for short. It is my intention is to design this group with mothers wants and needs in mind. Where as moms (or dad's too) we can get together and discuss topics that are important to us and our children. To incorporate time to regenerate us as well as the kids. Although we will have playgroups, activities and outings for children. I hope to initiate things like Mom's Night Out, Babysitting Co-Ops, Family Days, Crafts Clubs or anything else that our other mom's might like. If you are interested please go t0 mothersandchildrengroup.com or email me at jfoley@mothersandchildrengroup.com



Wallingford YMCA News and Events
JUMP RIGHT IN! AMERICAN RED CROSS GUARD START- LIFEGUARDING TOMORROW
FOR 6TH-9TH GRADERS is coming to the Wallingford Family YMCA.
This is a program designed to guide youth interested in lifeguarding by building a foundation of knowledge, attitudes, and skills for future lifeguards. This foundation consists of 5 categories: Prevention, Fitness, Response, Leadership, and Professionalism. This program does not certify participants as lifeguards. It is an effective transition from upper-level swim lessons, as well as swim team, to the American Red Cross Lifeguarding program when 15 years of age.
Participants must be at the Minnow level of swim lessons or above.
HOLIDAY CLASS T-W-TH-F DEC. 26-29 3-4:30PM
SESSION 1 CLASS: BEGINS JAN. 8, 2007 MONDAYS 3:30-4:45PM
MEMBERS: $75 Includes participant workbook and shirt!
PROGRAM MEMBERS: $100
http://www.wallingfordymca.org/ 203 269 4497

The Holiday for Giving program Giving Trees
The Holiday for Giving program Giving Trees are located at the following businesses: Academy DiCapelli, Adamo’s Garage, Amy’s Artistry, Anthony & Associates, Bre-elle Salon, Calatayud Chiropractic Center, Curves for Women, Davis & Mascola, CPA, Faulkner Physical Therapy Group, First CT Credit Union, M Salon & Spa, Wallingford Park & Rec Department, Renee’s School of Dance, SAFT Auto Center, Simply Special Gift Shop, TD Banknorth – all branches, The Book Vault, and Unique Fitness. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any of the locations above. Also, new unwrapped toys can be delivered to the Yalesville Volunteer Fire Department during their Fill a Fire Truck with Toys Campaign on Friday, Dec. 1st through Sunday Dec. 3rd. All toys will be given to those children in need in the Wallingford Community. For more information please call 269-9542.

The Holiday for Giving program is in full swing.
Our elves our ready to assist those in the Wallingford Community who need a little extra help to make their holiday a special one. The Holiday for Giving program is a community organization run by volunteers; it functions solely on your donations. All donations are given directly back to those in the Wallingford Community.
What do we do? We spread magic by providing over 550 children with 3 new toys and a book to read. We provide each family with a box of food and a gift certificate to a local grocery store.
How can you help us create some magic? You can donate food items, new toys, books, personal hygiene items or money.
Our hours of operation: Mon. Dec. 4th – Thurs. Dec. 7th – 9:00 – 3:00; Friday, Dec. 8th – 9 – 7:30; Saturday, Dec. 9th – 9:00 – 3:00; Monday, Dec. 11th - 9:00 – 6:00.
Donations can be dropped at the Wallingford Grange, 586 Center St., Wallingford during the above hours. Monetary donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off during the above hours or mailed to: Holiday for Giving, P.O. Box 1612, Wlfd, CT 06492.
For more information on ways to help or to refer those who need help during the holidays please call 294-2175.
We thank you in advance for your continued support and for helping parents put food on their table and smiles on the faces of their children.



HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS FOR CHARITIESLocal sports store and coffeehouse has an thirteenth annual holiday collections for 3 local charities, (Plainville Food Pantry, Prudence Crandall & Friendship Center). PASS-IT-ON- Sports and Jitter¹s Coffeehouse will accept donations thru December 20 for the charities during store and coffeehouse hours. Donations will be accepted for Prudence Crandall Shelter, The Friendship Center in New Britain and the Plainville Food Pantry. Items needed include non-perishable foods, toiletries, cleaning products, paper goods, baby foods, diapers, clean bedding, small & large furniture, and small working appliances. Advance notice requested for larger donations.PASS-IT-ON SPORTS & Jitter¹s Coffeehouse 1273 QUEEN STREET (RT10) SOUTHINGTON / PLAINVILLE LINE

Meriden Youths Take Center Stage
Three young people from Meriden will take center stage at the Hartford Civic Center on December 9 as the Greater Hartford Arts Council presents the 27th annual United Technologies Symphony on Ice®. Alyson Miksitz, age 18; Kieu-my Kim Nguyen, age 9; and Kori Sheades, age 12, will perform as members of “The Symphony Skaters,” who are annual favorites at the event.
Along with The Symphony Skaters, the Symphony on Ice skating and music spectacular features the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Edward Cumming, the Symphony Youth Choir, Spectrum in Motion Dance Theatre Ensemble and special guests Jennifer Wester and Daniil Barantsev, 2005 Midwestern Champions.
A capacity crowd of 14,000 people is expected to attend the event, which is the largest single-day toy-raiser in Connecticut, and one of the largest in the country. Admission to Symphony on Ice is a free ticket and a new, unwrapped toy for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program.
The Symphony Skaters are from “Group with No Name,” a Connecticut-based theater club that has as its mission “making the world brighter with charity performances.” The group has skated at Symphony on Ice each year since 1980. This year’s group of 74 skaters come from 32 area towns and range in age from 3 to 35, with the average age being 14.
The Meriden youths will perform to live music played by the Hartford Symphony Orchestra in such numbers as “Ruldoph the Red-nosed Reindeer” by Johnny Marks and Victor Herbert’s “March of the Toys.”
“Group with No Name” has a long history of performing in high-visibility charitable events, including those at New York City’s Rockefeller Center, the Mohegan Sun Arena and the International Skating Center of Connecticut. They have helped to raise money for Special Olympics and Easter Seals, as well as hundreds of thousands of toys for Toys for Tots. In fact, in addition to performing at Symphony on Ice, each of the skaters also donates a toy for the event.
All of the students in the group are devoted not just to skating and charitable work, but to academics as well. Despite a demanding rehearsal schedule, most of the students are on the honor roll in their schools. Some go on to compete at regional and even national skating competitions.
The Symphony Skaters and Group with No Name are directed by Susan Mastroni Dee, with assistance from Sandra Miksitz.
The event is the largest single-day toy-raiser in Connecticut, and one of the largest in the country. Symphony on Ice will be held at the Hartford Civic Center on Saturday, December 9, at noon.
More than 15,000 toys are collected through the event each year. The toys are distributed to underprivileged children throughout the Greater Hartford region by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve.
Information about the show and ticket availability may be found on the Greater Hartford Arts Council web site, www.ConnectTheDots.org.
The Greater Hartford Arts Council presents the event, which has been sponsored each year by United Technologies. Additional support is provided this year by Prudential Financial. Media sponsors are Hartford Advocate, The River 105.9 FM, Country 92.5 FM, Power 104.1 FM and Kidtivity.com.
The Greater Hartford Arts Council enlivens the spirit and economy of Connecticut’s Capital Region by planning, promoting and raising funds for cultural programs that are building one of our nation’s most vibrant communities. It is the largest independent arts council in New England, runs the 9th largest United Arts fund in the country and is a national leader in diversified services and cultural promotions. The Greater Hartford Arts Council has raised and invested nearly $46 million for the arts over 35 years, helping to rank Greater Hartford in the top 6 percent of metropolitan areas in North America for its arts and culture. More information about the Greater Hartford Arts Council may be found at http://www.connectthedots.org/.


“Christmas Community Dinner: GENEROSITY Makes It Happen”
Turkey and all the trimmings will be enjoyed be everyone at the 26th annual holiday Christmas dinner, noon to 2:00 PM Christmas Day at the First Congregational Church, 23 South Main St., Wallingford. The dinner, sponsored by Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. and the church, is free and open to all who want to spend the day with others. Transportation will be provided to those needing rides. Meals and visits will also be delivered to the homebound. Food baskets are sent out ahead of time.
These dinners happen every Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter and are fully dependent on donations of food, time and money to be successful. In addition to the dinner at the church, baskets will be sent out ahead of time to families in Wallingford, Meriden and Cheshire. Meals and visits are also delivered to the homebound who are unable to participate in the dinners at the church.
At Christmas, we “adopt” children and adults with AIDS, some folks who are differently abled, those who are alone, nursing home residents without family and other entire families as we learn of their particular circumstances. We provide them with food, clothes and gifts. We write cards and send letters to cheer people. It is incredible to be part of this effort and to see all the good that comes when people give and share. This year we will be collecting donations for a group of Wallingford school teachers and students who will be making a trip to New Orleans to help rebuild homes for the Hurricane Katrina families who lost everything.
As this effort has become so large, it is necessary for us to collect food and other items as early as possible. We are in need of everything! Individuals and businesses that would like to volunteer their time, talents, food, gifts, money or services are encouraged to call Nancy Freyberg at Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc., 284-8299. Together we make it better for everyone!


Audubon Christmas Counts
Quinnipiac Valley Audubon Society, the local chapter of the National Audubon Society, needs birders to cover different pieces of our Christmas Count circle, checking fields, wooded areas, ponds, marshes, swamps, parks, cemeteries, rivers, thickets and backyards for birds. The center of the QVAS count is the intersection of Route 68 and Route 157 in Durham. The circle extends out 7.5 miles in all directions. Territory within our circle includes Meriden, Wallingford, Middlefield, Durham, Guilford, and Northford. This year the CBC will take place on Sunday, December 17. This is a fun, important annual survey, with time in the field that brings together birders of all abilities.
History
On Christmas Day 1900, the group initiated an alternative to the traditional holiday 'side hunt,' in which teams competed to see who could shoot the most birds. Instead of hunting, the group counted the birds they saw, thus founding one of the most significant citizen-based conservation efforts and a century-old institution.
Today, almost 55,000 volunteers from all 50 states, every Canadian province, parts of Central and South America, Bermuda, the West Indies, and Pacific islands will count and record every individual bird and bird species seen during one 24-hour calendar day. About 1,800 individual counts will be held during a two-and-a-half week period.
Purpose
Apart from its attraction as a social, sporting, and competitive event, CBC reveals scientific information on the winter distributions of various bird species as well as the over-all health of the environment. CBC is the longest running ornithological database and continues to grow in importance as a monitor of the status of resident and migratory birds across the western hemisphere. The data, 100% volunteer generated, has become a crucial part of the U. S. Government's natural history monitoring database.
There is a $5 donation for each field participant to cover the cost of generating materials for compilers, producing an annual CBC summary issue, and maintaining the CBC website and database. Feeder watchers are also needed to tally the birds and are not required to make a donation.
Please consider joining us this year. Remember it is not necessary to spend the entire day. Please call Loretta Victor at 203 634-1911 if you have questions or would like to participate.


Al-Anon News Story Alcoholism, The Storm Within a Family. Alcoholism in a family is like a tornado. It can leave a life in ruins. For 55 years, Al-Anon family groups, which include Alateen for younger members, have helped to restore and enhance the strengths of people who have been swept into the storm of alcoholism. Many members share that the foundation for this restoration begins in the rooms of Al-Anon and Alateen meetings when they hear the three C¹s...you didn¹t cause it, you can¹t control it and you can¹t cure it. Simple sharing such as this can often introduce a window of opportunity for new thinking. A common bond and commitment to shared values are the Al-Anon building blocks for changed attitudes and personal renewal. Members practice anonymity at the level of press, radio, TV and film as an example of their support to the newcomer, who may be anxious about the lingering stigma associated with the disease of alcoholism. The holiday¹s are a particularly difficult times for family members of those who drink. Meetings are held weekly, year round, including major holidays. For further information, or to find out where meetings are held, call 1-888-8AL-ANON or contact the Connecticut Web site at http://www.ct-al-anon.org/. Does someone¹s drinking bother you? There is help for you. Meetings held in most towns weekly, daytime and evenings. Al-Anon Meeting: For anyone affected by someone else¹s drinking.http://www.ct-al-anon.org/ 1-888-8AL-ANON (825-2666).





Meriden YMCA News and Events
MERIDEN YMCA BEGINS REGISTRATION FOR LIFEGUARD COURSE
The Meriden YMCA is conducting registration for the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training Course. Participants are required to attend the following 9 Classes: Saturday(12-6p.m.): Jan. 27; Sundays(12-6p.m.): Jan. 28 & Feb 4; Tuesdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, and Thursdays(7-9p.m.): Jan. 25, Feb. 1 & Feb. 8. Jamie Tennyson will be the instructor. This course will include the following certifications: CPR/FPR, First Aid and Safety and AED. Telephone registrations are being taken with a major credit card or one can register in person at the Meriden YMCA 110 West Main Street. Pre-registration is required for this class. For further information or to register; Please call (203)235-6386 ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
COME JOIN MERIDEN YMCA’S MASTERS ADULT SWIM PROGRAM
This program is designed for those adults 19 years of age and older who wish to workout with other adults accompanied by a certified swim coach. The purpose of this program is to promote fun, fitness, safety and possibly competition for all participants of whatever level of ability and interest.
The Winter Program will run from Jan. 3 – March 22. Practice Sessions are Mon & Wed> 7:30-8:45p.m and Thursdays> 8:00-9:00p.m.
For further information or to register; please contact Lisa Hoover at (203)235-6386; ext 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com
MERIDEN YMCA YOUTH SWIM TEAM IS INVITING NEW PARTICIPANTS!
The Meriden YMCA has begun it’s registration for the youth swim team. 4 levels of participation are available ranging from the Beginner Swimmer(Bronze) to the Intermediate Swimmer(Silver) to Advanced Swimmer(Gold); Most Advanced Swimmer(Sr. Gold). Participants can choose the days they attend their practice sessions. Bronze swimmers practice from 6-7p.m. Silver swimmers practice from 5:30-7:00p.m. and the Sr.Gold/ Gold swimmers practice from 4-6p.m. Certified Coaches are available 5 days a week. 2 Certified Lifeguards are also on duty. A USS swimming division is also available for those swimmers who wish to compete on a more often basis with other organizations in addition to the YMCA League.
Pro-rated fees apply for those athletes who wish to start later on in the season due to outside conflicts.
For further information; please contact Lisa Hoover: (203)235-6386; ext. 12 or lhoover@meridenymca.com


Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert.
What: Annual Christmas Candlelight Concert. Holiday music and readings by the Senior Choir, Heart in Hand Bell Choir, the Celebration Singers, the Charlie's Angels Bell Choir and the African Drumming Ensemble of First Church.When: Sunday, December 10, 2006 4:00 pmWhere: First Church of Christ, Congregational, 190 Court Street, Middletown, CT Exit 15 off Route 9. Left onto Main Street and first left onto Court Street. Fee: Free Information: 860-346-6657

Come Join the Fun at Girls Inc. Winter Registration is Here.Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street, will begin registration for its winter classes Monday, December 4th at 9:00 A.M. Winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for eleven weeks. Girls Inc. is offering a number of programs so be sure to check our brochure. Some of the classes being offered are Cooking, Scrap booking, Quilting, Economic Literacy, Media Literacy, Wacky and Funky Crafts, and much more. If everything sounds like way too much fun and you don't knowwhat to take come join our House Sampler and try a little bit of each program. This program allows you to sample all of the above for two days over a ten week period. Girls Inc. also has Gymnastics, Dance, Yoga, and Cheerleading. Girls Inc. has a number of exciting National Programs that will provide hands on interactive fun learning in the areas of Science, Math and Relevant Technology, Sports and Health Fitness. The National Programs really allow the girls to get involved in subject matters that are geared just for girls. Girls Inc. is also launching Saturday classes! If you are a working parent and can't get here during the week come and sign up for our Saturday dance or gymnastic classes!

Girls Inc is now offering Saturday ClassesAre you a working parent and can't make it to Girls Inc during the week? Is your daughter interested in gymnastics or dance? Well then this is for you. Girls Inc. is now offering beginner dance and gymnastic classes on Saturdays! We are also launching a mommy and me class for girls ages 2-3 years olds on Saturdays as well for both gymnastics and dance. Drop by or request a brochure listing class days, times, descriptions, and fees call 235-7146. Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for eleven weeks.



One-stop holiday shopping at Friends of Library BookstoreThe Friends of the Library Bookstore, located at 1 Colony Street in downtown Meriden, offers a treasure trove of reasonably priced gifts for holiday shoppers. Tops on anyone's Christmas shopping list are the thousands of gently used, like new, books. Everything from novels and mysteries to cookbooks, how-to, health and home-making to large coffee table books are available from $1 to $5. Brand new autographed books by local authors including Laura Van Wormer, Eddie Siebert, Lori Avocato, Beth Bruno, Bernice Shelberg and Nancy Boynton are also sold here as is the Friends own poetry book, "Well Versed Friends." The bookstore's gift shop shelves are now stocked with items created by local craftspeople including Crafty Lady soaps, lotions and holiday gift packages by Edna Roberts, Silver City Candles in holiday scents and Chilyn handmade jewelry. Puzzles and library mugs, backpacks and t-shirts are also for sale here. Bicentennial gift items including afghans, mugs, plates, wine glasses, teddy bears and golf shirts are now available exclusively at the bookstore as are Meriden t-shirts and sweatshirts, in all sizes. The Friends bookstore and gift shop are now open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Meriden Public Library and Friends of the Library projects.


HOLIDAY WISHES FOR OUR TROOPS
By Alice Mary Scott
I just received this web site address from a friend over the Internet and wanted to share it with everyone. It’s a site sponsored by Xerox.
www.LetsSayThanks.com
At this site, anyone can send a message of THANKS to our troops in Iraq, Afghanistan and other far away places. You simply pick a design, select a message already written or write your own, more personal sentiment. Type in your name and your home town and click SEND. The Xerox Company will print the card and forward your message to a lonely soldier overseas.
Even if you don’t support the war, we should all support the soldiers who fight for us. They serve our country in sometimes terrible conditions, leaving behind family, friends and special loved ones. They are lonely and sometimes frightened young people who deserve our deepest thanks for doing their jobs. Let them know you hope that we can bring them home safely and soon.

MADD’s “Tie One On For Safety” Holiday Campaign Asks Motorists to Pledge to Drive Safe, Sober and Buckled Up Awareness Project Celebrates 20th Anniversary
[North Haven, CT] – Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut reminds drivers this holiday season to drive safe, sober and buckled up as part of their annual Tie One On For Safety campaign. The popular holiday red ribbon program urges motorists to tie the MADD ribbon to their vehicles as a pledge to be safe on the roadways, and to especially buckle up since a seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver.
The MADD Tie One On For Safety campaign comes at a critical time in the year when road travel and traffic fatalities traditionally increase between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. In 2005, 120 people were killed in Connecticut in alcohol-related crashes. Each year in the United States, nearly 13,000 people are killed in drunk driving crashes and more than half a million people are injured in alcohol-related traffic crashes. Additionally, seat belts save lives. From 1975 through 2005, it is estimated that safety belts saved 211,128 lives, including 15,632 lives saved in 2005.
“Tie One On For Safety empowers the public to make a statement: don’t drive drunk and buckle up,” said Janice Heggie Margolis, Executive Director of MADD Connecticut. We want everyone to have a good time this holiday season and that is exactly the point of the project. If you aren’t responsible, danger may soon follow and that includes death or injury if you are driving drunk.” More than 6 million red ribbons are expected to be distributed and are available by calling the MADD Connecticut Office at 203-234-6521.
In addition to raising public awareness about the crime of drunk driving, MADD supports high-visibility enforcement such as sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols as well as the use of alcohol ignition interlocks on the vehicles of drunk drivers. Both ultimately deter and stop drunk driving.
Founded in 1980, MADD has helped save more than 330,000 lives since its founding. MADD’s mission is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking. The organization and has approximately 600 MADD affiliates and 2 million members and supporters nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.madd.org/ or call the MADD Connecticut State Office at 203-234-6521. Twenty-four hour victim assistance is available by calling 1-877-MADD-HELP.



How to make a submission to The People's Press
It's easy to make a submission to The People's Press. Although we cover local events from Central Connecticut in our newspaper, we certainly will accept stories, poems, photos and more from all over the world. Remember every public-submitted item is FREE!!!! You can make a submission by emailing http://us.f509.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=andy@peoplespressnews.com . Mailing to: The People's Press, P.O. Box 4459, Yalesville CT 06492 or going to our website http://www.peoplespressnews.com/ and press the submit button. No matter where you are from you may submit a story, poem, photo, recipe and more. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Andrew P. Reynolds at 203.235.9333. Remember every public-submitted item is FREE!!!!

The Senior Buddy Readers Program
Seeks Volunteers
The Senior Buddy Readers intergenerational mentoring & literacy program is currently seeking volunteers for the 2006-2007 school year. Active retirees are needed to help first- and second-grade students improve their reading skills. The program runs from October through the end of May and takes place in six of Meriden’s elementary schools: Ben Franklin, Casimir Pulaski, Hanover, Israel Putnam, Nathan Hale and Thomas Hooker schools. Anyone interested in sharing one hour a week mentoring a child is invited to call the office of Meriden Children First Initiative at 630-3566. Make a difference in the life of a child…become a Senior Buddy Reader volunteer! (The Senior Buddy Readers program is sponsored by nonprofit Meriden Children First Initiative and is supported financially through foundation grants and local business donations.)
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Meriden Humane Society has opened a thrift store, also at 311 Murdock Avenue, Meriden. If you have any items you would like to donate, it would be most appreciative to receive them to bring over to the shelter. Thanks in advance for whatever help you can provide. It is a challenge raising over $200,000 yearly to support the stray and abandoned animals we serve at this no-kill shelter, so any help you can give would be wonderful. Thanks again. **
CT VNA Hospice: Volunteer
Do you want to make a difference in your life and the life of someone else?
Have you ever considered becoming a hospice volunteer? Hospice is about living life to its fullest, and we need your help to make this possible for our patients and their families. There are many volunteer opportunities available.... companionship, respite for weary caregivers, visiting patients with your pet, sharing your musical or artistic talents, or helping with clerical projects.
Training to become a volunteer with Connecticut VNA's hospice will be beginning soon. For an enriching and meaningful experience, please call today.
For more information, please call Jolan Szollosi, Volunteer Coordinator at 203-679-5342
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Volunteers Wanted For Meriden Public Schools
The Meriden Public Schools Volunteer Program is currently seeking media help at two elementary schools. This opportunity would consist of helping the library/media teacher check out books with elementary students and other related media tasks. If you would like to help out and have some fun, please call, Nan L Despres, Coordinator of Volunteers at 634-7985. Other volunteer opportunities in the Meriden Public Schools also exist. One half-hour a week is all that is required. Training is provided. We will work around your schedule. All are encouraged to volunteer. Retirees and bilingual are very welcome.
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Connecticut VNA Announces Grand Opening of “The Art of Hospice Care” at NOMA Gallery in Middletown
Connecticut VNA’s Hospice has planned a grand opening celebration for the debut of their traveling art exhibit entitled, “Continuing the Journey - The Art of Hospice Care.” The public is invited to attend the opening of the exhibit on Friday, October 6, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the NOMA Gallery, 648 Main Street, Middletown. The exhibit is an extraordinary and powerful multimedia display depicting the use of the arts in hospice care. It is a collection of paintings, drawings, photography, poetry, shadow boxes and more that have been done with, for and about ordinary people at the end of their lives. The exhibit highlights the unique gifts patients and their loved ones have received through Connecticut VNA’s compassionate and supportive Hospice team. Susan Rosano, an Expressive Arts Therapist with Connecticut VNA’s Hospice team and an organizer of the exhibit, said the group wanted to show the public the incredible work that is being done with people at the end of their lives and how it can contribute to the process of emotional healing for family members and friends. “The poems we write with our patients -- the collages and drawings we help them make -- their hand castings -- all have become lasting memorials to them.” Marion Donahue, President of Connecticut VNA, said the exhibit will help people understand the major role art and art therapy can play in helping them cope with a terminal illness. “The strength and intensity of the arts and complementary services in end of life care are tangible through this dramatic collection. Our complementary therapies team put a great deal of time and energy into developing this exceptional exhibit and we are very proud of what they’ve accomplished.” “Completing the Journey: The Art of Hospice Care” will be on display at the NOMA Gallery through November 17, and will then be exhibited through various venues around the state. For additional information or to learn how you can showcase this traveling exhibit, please contact Susan Rosano at 203-679-5300.
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Meeting of Parent Support Group in the Naugatuck Valley Region for parents who have out-of-control adolescent and adult children. Tough Love St. Anthony's Church Routes 68 and 69 Prospect, CT Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
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EXHIBITIONS AND PROGRAMS: NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2006
The Gallery's main building, designed by American architect Louis Kahn, reopens to the public on December 10. The reopening will feature masterworks from the African, Asian, early European, and modern and contemporary collections, including important new acquisitions. Information about special events for the reopening will be sent out in October. In the meantime, exhibitions, gallery talks, and master classes continue in the Gallery's Swartwout wing; please see link to PDF for complete schedule.
The Gallery's Kahn building reopens to the public on December 10, 2006.The new exhibition "Jasper Johns: From Plate to Print" opens December 10.The new exhibition "Making a Mark: Four Contemporary Artists in Print" opens December 10. The new exhibition "Responding to Kahn: A Sculptural Conversation" opens December 10.
Complete calendar of events (PDF) is available at:
http://artgallery.yale.edu/pages/info/press.html
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INTERFAITH VOLUNTEER CARE GIVERS WALLINGFORD WANTED!
Volunteers to help frail, elderly neighbors shop, get to medical appointments, provide respite to a family member.
QUALIFICATIONS: People with a warm, loving heart and one or two hours of time each week. No hands-on care!
BENEFITS: Feel great about yourself! Have fun! Plan you own hours! Meet new people!
Become an Interfaith Volunteer Care Giver! Find out more by calling Marie Cunha, Social Worker, Wallingford Senior Center at 265-7753.
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Platt High School Sports Card & Coin Show
Dates:January 6, 2007February 3, 2007March 3, 2007April 7, 2007May 5, 2007June 2, 2007
Table info 203-634-0069 Ernie203-235-7962 x 139 Athletic office
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Wallingford Rotary Club
The Wallingford Rotary Club meets Wednesdays, 12:10 p.m. at Brothers Restaurant, 33 North Cherry Street. We welcome guests to come, share lunch and enjoy our weekly speaker program. The cost is $12 per person. Rotarians are dedicated to “Service above Self” in our community, La Romana in the Dominican Republic, in the worldwide battle of Polio Plus, and the family of all. Come discover how Rotarians make a difference, every day.
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Fun Events at the Wallingford Family YMCA
Friday Night Family Fit Club Come join us on the following Friday Nights to enjoy a family fitness activity. Each activity will also include a healthy snack. This is a great time for children and parents to stay fit together while having fun! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Parent's Night Out - Night on the Town This program is designed especially for children in grades K - 6. The program will take place every other Friday night from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Kids will enjoy pizza and juice, games in the gymnasium, and swimming in the pool, while you spend some quality time together, without the kids! See the most recent brochure for current schedules and fees. Ghouls & Goblins of all ages, join us for a fun-filled Halloween afternoon adventure! Arrive in costume for a trick-or-treat parade, costume contest, creepy crafts, ghoulish games, a healthy snack and ghostly storytelling.
Meriden Public Library Children's Library Announcing two New FREE passes to Museums!! We are pleased to announce we have just received two new passes for museums at the Meriden Public Library in the Children's Room - Imagine Nation Museum in Bristol, CT. The place to spark your imagination! This museum has ESPN Play Your Way, Greenhouse, Jungle Playscape and Climbing Wall, Otis Teaching Elevator, Kid Construction Zone, Cook Nook, Water Room, Creative Arts Center, Cyber Lab, 1940's Soda Fountain, and much more. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Saturdays 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sundays 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. and open until 8:00 p.m. on the first Friday of each month. Our other pass is for Earthplace, the nature discovery center in Westport, CT. Earthplace maintains a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails, live wildlife for public viewing, and it hosts many public nature program and events. It also has an explorer clubhouse, tiny tree house, nature lab, backyard resource center, nature theater, and wildlife dioramas. Explore the ecology lab, Animal Hall, Trails & Gardens. The grounds are open 7:00 AM. until dusk. Building open 9:00 AM.- 5:00 PM. Monday-Saturday. 1:00 PM.-4:00 PM. on Sundays. These passes can be taken out for two days with a library card and driver’s license. For more information call the Children's Library at (203) 630-6347.


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La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford
If you are nursing or planning to breastfeed your baby, please join La Leche League of Meriden/Wallingford at our next meeting.
Meeting Topics Include:
Advantages of Breastfeeding to Mother and Baby Baby Arrives: The Family and the Breastfed Baby
The Art of Breastfeeding and overcoming difficulties
Nutrition and Weaning
Meeting Location: New Life Church, 92 Main St. South Meriden,CT
Meeting Dates: Third Wednesday Of each month at 9:45a.m.
Leaders: Jaime: 203-284-9735 Laura: 860-583-8996 Maryann: 203-630-0046
(Leaders are also available to answer breastfeeding questions over the phone. Please call for more information or directions)
La Leche League groups also meet in Cheshire, Hamden, Middletown, Rocky Hill and Southington. Call for more information or go online at www.lalecheleague.org
BABIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME AT LA LECHE LEAGUE MEETINGS
North Haven Garden Club Holiday Luncheon
The North Haven Garden Club presents the 2006 Holiday Luncheon on Thursday, November 30th at 11:00 at the New Haven Lawn Club, 193 Whitney Ave. with a Boutique, Raffle and Gourmet Table. The Program will be “The Little Black Dress” with Bill Graham, floral designer and lecturer. Donations are $35.00. For reservations, please call 203-239-3656 by Nov 21st.
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PARENTS & KIDS FOUNDATION, INC. Of Wallingford
Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a humanitarian and educational organization guided by the principles of faith and social responsibility, or “caring and sharing.” We serve people in the following ways: Counseling: is provided for individuals, families, women, couples, and children. A variety of support groups on various topics are offered. Call for appointments and schedule/description of activities. Recent groups: “Fun On Friday,” (art and conversation) “ Painting, Poetry, Pottery and Pizza” (women’s night out) “My Time” (nutrition, health, weight loss, exercise) Parenting / Family Education: “Raising Kids For Fun and Profit” is our trademark parenting program which focuses on communication and cooperation, discipline and decision making, rights and responsibilities, choices and consequences, and what it means to be “family.” Delivered with lots of humor and anecdotes. “We Are What We Eat or I Am A Chocolate Chip” is Nancy’s newest addition to the presentation developed because so many of our children and families are nutritionally deficient and in ill health. Chronic disease is out of control and most of it is nutritionally related and easily rectified. French fries are not vegetables. Broccoli is not a town in Italy. Fast Food on a plate is not a home cooked meal. An apple a day really will keep the doctor away and other truths I learned from my mother. Holiday Community Dinners: served Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, provide more than 500 meals each holiday. The meals are free. Transportation is provided as needed. Volunteers deliver meals and visits to the homebound, wrap presents, and write notes of encouragement. We strive to make everyone feel like they are “coming home” for the holidays. Much of the food is donated and completely prepared by volunteers. Come and join us. Adopt -A -Family grew from the holiday dinners. We have “adopted” individuals, families, nursing home residents without family, homeless shelter residents, and 100 children with AIDS. We sent holiday meals to residents in a home for the mentally retarded and gift baskets to their families. We provided materials and an instructor to a group of women learning to sew, and an artist to teach painting classes. As a need arises, we try to meet it. School Supplies Program: From paper, pens, pencils and notebooks, to backpacks, lunch boxes, sneakers, hats, gloves, jackets and more. Many children are provided the opportunity to begin their school year well supplied. Motivational Speaking: on Leadership, Communication, Positive Parenting, Nutrition and Health, and more. Guaranteed to send every audience out empowered. Focused and funny! Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is a private non-profit organization that believes children grow best in nurturing families. Nurturing families make nurturing communities. We are committed to strengthening people in all that we do. For more information on how you can become involved in any of our programs, please call. Together we can make such a wonderful difference! God’s peace and every blessing!
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We Are What We Eat
Cancer kills more children than any other disease. One in eight American women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Heart disease kills more women than cancer. One in two men will have cancer in his lifetime. Americans spend $330 billion per year on heart disease. One in four children is obese. Most kids think French fries are vegetables. Some kids think broccoli is a town in Italy. This is the bad news. The good news is that most of these statistics will change if we simply change the way we eat. Parents & Kids Foundation, Inc. is sponsoring a six-week information and education series that will support people who want to improve the quality of their lives by changing the way we look at food. The program will be led by Nancy Freyberg, MA. Whether you are overweight and undernourished, tired of being sick and tired, thick or thin, trying to raise healthy kids in a junk food world, and feel like you are losing the battle, this program is for you. We will learn the difference between habits and heredity, treatment vs. prevention, how your body works when it takes food in, how to read labels, foods to always eat and those to never eat, truth and lies of advertising and how and where to shop. The best exercise and diet is the one you will do, so a personal program for your body type and personality will be designed. This is a program for real people who live in the real world and have to make real choices with the time, money and schedules they live with. Guest speakers will include a naturopathic physician, nutritionist, and fitness trainer. We will sample foods, share recipes, ask and answer all your questions and have lots of fun learning new ideas that really work. This program is for young people, senior citizens, and everyone in between. Two groups, limited to 10 participants in each, will meet 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, or 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. Saturdays. The cost is $75. Please call Nancy Freyberg at 284-8299 to register for the class An apple a day really can keep the doctor away!



Tulip Tour of Homes
The Wallingford Education Foundation has recently announced that they have begun working on their "Tulip Tour of Homes" to be held on Saturday, May 5, 2007. This tour has become a significant fundraiser for the Wallingford Education Foundation and is well attended by the Wallingford community and friends. It will again feature five to six homes to tour, and will include lunch at the Gouveia Vineyards on Whirlwind Hill. Anyone interested in offering their home for a tour, whether it be big or small, old or new, please contact Judi Gallagher at 203-715-1805 or Dave Baker at 203-269-5912.
SEARCH FOR OWLS, EAGLES, AND WINTERING WATERFOWL ON THE CONNECTICUT SHORELINEhttp://www.sunrisebirding.com/walks.htmGuilford, CT -- Guilford-based Sunrise Birding will offer a series of Bird Walks in the coming months to witness the southbound journeys of raptors, shorebirds, and songbirds and learn about the avian winter residents of the central Connecticut coast. Join professional guide Gina Nichol to search for the bird life in varied habitats along the Connecticut shoreline. The Bird Walk schedule is as follows:
Tuesday, December 19 - 3 PM, Sunset Walk at Hammonasset State Park, Madison
Thursday, December 21, 2006 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, MadisonThursday, December 28, 2006 - 8 AM, Hammonasset State Park, Madison The schedule includes explorations of top birding sites in Connecticut. In November, birders will be treated to a "secret" spot in Westbrook that attracts many species of migrating and wintering shorebirds. There will also be an exploration of the Lower Connecticut River in Old Saybrook, where wintering Bald Eagles and sea ducks can be seen. In December, the walks will focus on the varied habitats of Hammonasset State Park in Madison which can play host to many late fall migrants such as Northern Gannet and winter residents such as Purple Sandpiper, Lapland Longspur, Horned Lark, Hooded Merganser, Bufflehead, Surf Scoter, Sanderling, and Red-throated Loon. There is also a special Sunset Bird Walk at Silver Sands State Park in Milford to look for wintering Short-eared Owls. The fee for each walk is $5 per person, and preregistration is required. Participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring binoculars, water, and spotting scopes (if available). Bird checklists will be provided free to participants. Register online at http://www.sunrisebirding.com/ or by calling 203.453.6724. Sunrise Birding offers personalized, authentic, affordable travel adventures and learning opportunities intended to reveal the splendor and diversity of the natural world.




AREA CHURCHES AND ORGANIZATIONS PLAN HOLIDAY FAIRS
As always, The Peoples' Press supports YOU! If you have an event for the Holiday Season – email it to us at andy@peoplespressnews.com.
Church, Synagogue - Worship Times and Services
To add your Church or Synagogue to this free service – please email andy@peoplespressnews.com
MERIDEN – Center Congregational Church, 474 Broad St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service, 8:30 a.m.. chapel service (except first Sunday of month). (203) 235-1389.
MERIDEN – First Baptist Church, 460 Broad St., Sunday – 8 and 11 a.m. service; Sunday School, 9:30 a.m. (203) 237-5529
MERIDEN – First Congregational Church, 62 Colony St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service, sanctuary; Taiwanese Christian Church, 10 a.m., chapel; 1 p.m., worship with Casa De Gozo Church, Smith Hall (203) 235-5704 or http://www.fccmeriden.org/.
MERIDEN – First United Methodist Church. 159 E Main St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 11 a.m., fellowship hour. (203) 235-9620
MERIDEN – Grace Fellowship Christian Center, 131 Windsor Ave., Sunday – 11 a.m., service; Sunday school, 10 a.m. (203) 235-5325.
MERIDEN – Holy Angels Parish, 585 Main St., South Meriden, Sunday – 8:30 and 11 a.m. Mass; Saturday – 5 p.m. vigil Mass (203) 235-3822.
MERIDEN – Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 164 Hanover St., Sunday – 9:45 a.m. service; 8:30 a.m., Sunday school. (203) 238-1248.
MERIDEN –Life of Faith Ministries, 78 E. Main St., services: 7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Call (203) 440-4258.
MERIDEN –New Life Church, 92 Main St., South Meriden, West Campus, Saturday: 6 p.m. service; 262 Bee St., East Campus. Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services (203) 238-1114.
MERIDEN – Olive Tree Fellowship, YMCA, 110 W. Main St., Sunday – 10 to 10:45 a.m. Sunday school; 10:45 a.m. to noon, worship service. Call (860) 827-1895.
MERIDEN – Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Laurent parishes; Saturday vigil – Mount Carmel, 4 p.m.; St Laurent, 5:15 p.m.; Sunday – 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. Mount Carmel; 9 a.m., St Laurent.
MERIDEN – St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 20 Catlin St, Sunday – 8 and 10 a.m. service; 9:30 a.m., Sunday School.
MERIDEN –St John Lutheran Church, 520 Paddock Ave., Saturday – 5 p.m. service; Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., Sunday School and adult Bible study (203) 238-2331.
MERIDEN –SS Peter & Paul Orthodox Church, 54 Park Ave., Saturday, 5 p.m. vespers; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. (203) 237-4539 or http://www.sspeterpaul.org/.
MERIDEN – St. Rose of Lima Church, 35 Center St., Saturday – 4:30 p.m. vigil Mass; Sunday – 7:30 and 10:30 a.m. English Mass; 9 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. Spanish Mass. Call (203) 235-1644.
MERIDEN – South Meriden Trinity United Methodist Church, 145 Main St., South Meriden; Sunday – 10 a.m. service; 11:10 a.m., Sunday School. (203) 235-6002.
MERIDEN – Temple B’nai Abraham, 127 E. Main St. Friday – call for time (203) 235-2581; Saturday – 9:30 a.m.; Sunday – 9:30 a.m. (when religious school is in session); Thursday – 8 a.m.
MERIDEN – Unitarian Universalist Church, 328 Paddock Ave. Sunday, 10:30 a.m. service; Sunday School, 10:30 a.m. Call (203) 237-9297.
WALLINGFORD – Church of the Nazarene, 26 Parker Farms Road, Sunday – 10:45 a.m. service; 9:30 a.m., Sunday School (203) 269-9313.
WALLINGFORD – Congregation Beth Israel, 22 N. Orchard St., Friday, 6:45 p.m. services, Oneg to follow. Call (203) 949-8656.
WALLINGFORD – Door of Hope Community Church, 120 Church St., Yalesville, Sunday – 9 and 10:45 a.m. service; nursery, pre-school, children’s and student classes at each service. (203) 741-1001.
WALLINGFORD – E and R United Church of Christ, 105 S. Cherry St., Sunday, 10 a.m. service. (203) 269-4827.
WALLINGFORD – First Baptist Church, 114 N. Main St., Sunday – 10 a.m. service; Sunday School, 8:50 a.m. (203) 269-4796.
WALLINGFORD – First Congregational Church, 23 S. Main St. Sunday – 8 a.m., communion service; 10 a.m. service; 10 a.m. church school. (203) 265-1691.
WALLINGFORD – First United Methodist Church, 941 Old Rock Hill Road, Sunday – 8:30 a.m. communion service; 10:30 a.m. service; 9:15 a.m. Sunday School (203) 269-9100.
WALLINGFORD – Good News Christian Church, 46 John St., Sunday – 9 and 11 a.m. service; 7 p.m. Wednesday (203) 284-9383.
WALLINGFORD – St John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 360 Church St., Yalesville, Sunday – 9:30 a.m. service. (203) 269-9526.
WALLINGFORD – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 65 N. Main St. Sunday -8 a.m. English Mass and 10 a.m. service; 9 a.m. Sunday School. (203) 269-5050 or http://www.stpaulswallingford.org/.
WALLINGFORD – SS Peter and Paul Church, 127 N. Orchard St. Sunday – 8 a.m. English Mass and 10 a.m. English/Polish Mass. Saturday – 4 p.m. English Vigil Mass. (203) 269-4617.
WALLINGFORD – White Oak Baptist Church, 20 N. Whittlesey, Sunday – 9:15 a.m. worship; 11 a.m. Sunday school. (203) 265-3548.
WALLINGFORD – Zion Lutheran Church, 235 Pond Hill Road, Saturday – 5 p.m. service, Sunday – 10:30 a.m. service, 9:15 a.m., Sunday school and Bible studies. (203) 269-6847.
SOUTHINGTON – Faith Baptist Church, 243 Laning St., Sunday – 11 a.m. service; 9:45 to 10:45 a.m., Sunday School. (860) 628-8147.
SOUTHINGTON – First Baptist Church, 581 Meriden Ave., Sunday – 10 a.m. service
SOUTHINGTON – First Congregational Church. 37 Main St., Sunday – 8:00 a.m. chapel communion; 9:30 a.m. service; 11:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. contemporary service; Tuesday – Taize worship, 6:30 to 7:00 p.m. (860) 628 -6958.
SOUTHINGTON – First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 232 Bristol St., Sunday – 9:30 a.m. service; Sunday School, 9:15 a.m. (860) 628-9001.
SOUTHINGTON – Grace United Methodist Church, 121 Pleasant St., Sunday – 8:30 and 10:00 a.m. services: 10:15 a.m., Sunday School. (860) 628-6996.
SOUTHINGTON – Plantsville Congregational Church, 109 Church St., Sunday – 10:00 a.m. service, 8:30 a.m. Taize service. (860) 628-5595.
SOUTHINGTON – St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 145 Main St., Sunday – 8:15 and 10:15 a.m. service; 9:00 a.m., Sunday School.
CHESHIRE – Cheshire Lutheran Church, 660 W. Main St., Sunday – 8:00 and 10:30 a.m. services; 9:10 to 10:10 a.m. education hour. (203) 272-5106.
CHESHIRE – Cheshire United Methodist Church, 205 Academy Road, Sunday – 10:45 a.m. worship service; 9:30 a.m. Sunday school. (203) 272-4626.
CHESHIRE – St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 59 Main St., Sunday – 8 a.m. Rite I; 10 a.m. Rite II. Call (203) 272-4041.
CHESHIRE – Temple Beth David, 3 Main St., 7:30 p.m. service Friday, except first Friday of month when family services are at 7 p.m. Call (203) 272-0037.



Come Join the Fun at Girls Inc. - Winter Registration is Here.Girls Incorporated of Meriden, located at 130 Lincoln Street, will begin registration for its winter classes Monday, December 4th at 9:00 a.m. Winter classes will begin on January 2nd and will be offered for 11 weeks. Girls Inc. is offering a number of programs, so be sure to check our brochure. Some of the classes being offered are Cooking, Scrapbooking, Quilting, Economic Literacy, Media Literacy, Wacky and Funky Crafts, and much more. If everything sounds like way too much fun and you don't know what to take, come join our House Sampler and try a little bit of each program. This program allows you to sample all of the above for two days over a 10-week period. Girls Inc. also has Gymnastics, Dance, Yoga, and Cheerleading. Girls Inc. has a number of exciting National Programs that will provide hands-on interactive fun learning in the areas of Science, Math and Relevant Technology, Sports and Health Fitness. The National Programs really allow the girls to get involved in subject matters that are geared just for girls. Girls Inc. is also launching Saturday classes! If you are a working parent and can't get here during the week, come and sign up for our Saturday dance or gymnastic classes! A 2006-2007 Girls Incorporated membership ($30 nonrefundable) is required to be current at time of registration. Membership and class fees are due at time of registration. Girls Inc. accepts cash, checks, MasterCard and VISA.
Girls Incorporated is a nonprofit organization that inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. is a premier organization that inspires girls to work to their full potential and exercise their rights through program-based curriculum. Girls Incorporated of Meriden is a United Way member agency.






Square dance lessons offered
Wallingford – The Cheshire Cats Square Dance Club will offer square dance lessons from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays at St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 360 Church St., Yalesville. For information or to register, call Barbara Brown at (203) 237-9599 or Bernice Montefusco at 269-2569.


Antique Veterans of Meriden World Post No. 1
All honorably discharged veterans from all branches of military service are invited to come join us and take part in our activities. Coffee and pastries are provided for a small donation. There are no membership dues. Please feel free to come and visit us every Thursday morning at the Muravnick Senior Center 22-26 West Main St. Meriden at 9:30 a.m. We are open to all veterans worldwide regardless of where you reside.
For more info contact Richard Egan (203) 634-0474 or Kenneth Dow (203) 235-2120.




Wallingford Public Library News and Events
Due to reconstruction, the WPL Children’s Room will not be able to offer any events. While we are not able to provide the programs we normally have, we can assure patrons that they will still be able to choose from an ever-expanding collection of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials. They will find brand-new titles as well as their old favorites and, of course, the holiday books and music. Many free booklists are available, and staff members are always happy to help find what is needed. Speaking of the approaching holiday season, the Wallingford Public Library, throughout the month of November, will be collecting new children's books for Wallingford's Holiday for Giving Program.Sincerely, Bonnie Strickland-Naczi, Children's Librarian



“Monkey bars, castles, and rainbow slides”
Hubbard Park Playground Ideas on Display at Meriden Public Library
Come see the wonderful playground ideas dreamed up by Meriden’s school children for the New Hubbard Park Playground, in a new exhibit in the Children’s Department at the Meriden Public Library, on display until the end of November. The artwork was created at the Kids Playground Design Party at Meriden’s Autumn Fest, and captures wishes ranging from traditional playground items, such as swings, slides (straight, twisty, squiggly, rainbow, and humongous), monkey bars, seesaws, and sandboxes, to creative additions such as Ferris wheels, water slides, castles, “twisty pole ride,” and a giant starfish to climb on.
For more information about the new playground email Dawn at hubbardparkplayground@peoplespressnews.com,

About the Hubbard Park Playground Committee
Mayor Mark Benigni appointed the Hubbard Park Playground Committee in June 2004. Working as volunteers under the Meriden YMCA, the committee’s mission is to build a barrier-free playground for children of all abilities to play side by side. The Hubbard Park Playground Committee works hand in hand with Noah’s Ark of Hope, Inc. to make the dream of a barrier-free playground at Hubbard Park a reality.

The Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame honors Ellen Biercevicz-Piazza of Wallingford
The Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame has announced its honorees for its 2006 class of inductees for the Fast Pitch wing of the newly merged softball Hall of Fame. The Slow Pitch and Fast Pitch committees announced the merger in August.
Both the Fast Pitch and Slow Pitch honorees will be recognized at the annual Hall of Fame awards dinner on Sunday, November 19th at 4:00 p.m. at Costa Azzurra Restaurant in Milford. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling Ed Austin at 203-878-4036 or Jim Consiglio at 203-996-5206.
The Fast Pitch inductees for 2006 are Anthony Candido of Milford, Pat Dufficy of Trumbull, Ellen Biercevicz Piazza of Wallingford, and Bobby Quinn. Hank Koritkoski of Middletown will receive the Joseph T. Barber Distinguished Service Award.
Piazza has been a pioneer in girls’ sports as a softball player, an initiator of girls’ sports, a high school and college coach, and an athletic director. She played for the Raybestos Brakettes from 1966-1970, and was the catcher for a quartet of pitchers that may have been the best of all time: Joan Joyce, Bertha Ragan Tickey, Donna Lopiano and Donna Hebert. During her five years with the Brakettes, she competed in the National Championship finals five times, winning two national titles.
Starting her softball coaching career at Seymour High School in 1970, Piazza later became the first softball coach at Albertus Magnus College. She also coached her daughter’s 12 & under team to State & New England Championships. Piazza has been the A.D. at Lyman Hall High School in Wallingford since 1994. She is a Shelton native.

Mid December Wallingford and Meriden Library News and Events

Meriden Library News and Events
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY TO HOLD FINE FREE MONTH IN DECEMBER
Meriden Public Library is holding a fine free month in December. People are welcome to return their overdue books and materials during this period and donate one item of non-perishable food per title returned instead of paying a monetary fine.
Borrowers may visit the circulation desk to take advantage of the opportunity to clear their library records.
The food is being stored in a bin in the lobby. All food collected will be delivered to local food pantries which supply food to needy residents. Foods most needed are tuna, dry milk, pasta, tomato items, juices and cereals.
For further information, call Meriden Public Library at 238-2344.
SANTA WILL BE VISITING MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY'S BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB ROTARY BRANCH DECEMBER 22
The Meriden Public Library Boys and Girls Club Rotary Branch will be visited by Santa on Friday, December 22 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Children of all ages are welcome to visit with Santa and tell him their holiday wishes. This event is free and open to the public. For further information about Santa's visit and the Meriden Public Library's satellite branches, contact the Community Affairs Department at 630-6349 or comsvc@hotmail.com
MERIDEN PUBLIC LIBRARY ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY CLOSING SCHEDULE
MERIDEN—Meriden Public Library will observe the following schedule of holiday closings:
Sunday December 24 CLOSED
Monday, December 25 CLOSED
The library will reopen for business on Tuesday, December 26.
The library will be open for business on Sunday, December 31 but closed Monday, January 1, 2007. The library will reopen for business on Tuesday, January 2.
The library’s regular hours are: Monday through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 1-5 p.m.
MERIDEN-MOVIES! MOVIES! MOVIES!Meriden Public Library presents Movies on December 26 & December 27! We will be showing these on our big screen with surround sound. At 11:00 AM. All you need to bring is a clear drink & pillow, sleeping bag or blanket to curl up with. We will provide the popcorn! Come, relax, and enjoy yourselves. Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. Call to sign-up & find out our feature movies titles at (203) 630-6348.
ST. ROSE HISPANIC CHOIR TO PRESENT “THREE KINGS PROGRAM” JANUARY 7
Meriden Public Library will host a Three Kings Day Program on Sunday, January 7 at 2:00 p.m. The St. Rose Hispanic Choir will present a holiday concert for people of all ages. Everyone is invited to attend.
The St. Rose Hispanic Choir will present traditional Puerto Rican ‘aguisnaldos’ or Christmas carols, followed by a visit from the Three Wise Men.
Donations of unwrapped gifts, suitable for boys and girls up to the age of 10, will be collected at a specially marked box inside the library during the month of December.
The event is free and everyone is invited to attend. For further information, call Meriden Public Library at 203 630-6349.

Wallingford Public Library News and EventsThe Town of Wallingford is currently under way with major expansion and renovation of the Library. It is anticipated that construction costs will be paid by Town residents through property taxes. The Wallingford Public Library Association is committed to raising $500,000 to furnish and equip the new space through donations.
Here are some of the ways you can contribute to this project:
Named Areas - Major gifts of $20,000 to $50,000 will be used to sponsor, furnish and equip specific areas of the Library. These areas will be named in recognition of the sponsor.
The Story of Wallingford Tile Mural - The Library Association has commissioned ceramic artist Marion Grebow to create a tile mural which will celebrate Wallingford’s past, present, and future. Library supporters can sponsor a tile with their contribution, and help to create a work of art that will be a permanent feature of the new building. Call the Library for details.
Special Events - A variety of fund raising events that will be fun for all ages are planned for 2006-2007. Watch for announcements in the Library and local newspapers. For more information on any of these projects, contact a member of the Fund Raising Committee: Karen Caplan, Co-ChairPeggy Zambrano, Co-ChairRoberta ClouetTarn GranucciMaria McBrideCynara McPhailTony TerziVirginia Towle
Used Cellphone?
If there is a new cell phone in your near future, maybe as a holiday gift or a new year's present to yourself, don't toss your old phone in the trash! Help Wallingford's recycling efforts and the library's expansion by dropping your old cell phone off at the Wallingford Public library or the front lobby at Town Hall. Cell phone recycling boxes are provided at both locations. Winter in the Children's Room
Sometime this winter, we expect to be moving downstairs to the meeting Room, while the upstairs is being renovated. Following the renovations we wll move upstairs to our new quarters on the south side of the building. As a result of these necessary changes, the Children's Room will be unable to offer story times and other programs until we have set up downstairs, and until the additional new small program room becomes available. We will miss all our friends during story times but we hope you will all continue to visit us and take out lots of your favorite books in the meantime. Our smaller temporary Children's Room will be fully functioning and even have a train set, donated by TOYZ of Cheshire, which we know everyone will enjoy. And as always, there will be lots of great books, DVDs, and more waiting for you.
While we are not able to provide the programs we normally have, we can assure patrons that they will still be able to choose from an ever-expanding collection of books, CDs, DVDs and other materials. They will find brand-new titles as well as their old favorites and, of course, the holiday books and music. Many free booklists are available, and staff members are always happy to help find what is needed.Sincerely, Bonnie Strickland-Naczi, Children's Librarian
Homework Help is back! Homework help for kids every Tuesday and Thursday 3:30 to 5:15 p.m. in the Children’s Room will resume beginning Thursday, January 4th and continue through Thursday, February 22nd. Students from Choate Rosemary Hall will be available to help students with their assignments.No need to register, just stop by!

Health News and Events - Mid December

This issue's Health News and Events are sponsored by MidState Medical Center
Notice of Consumer Recall:
Submitted by the Wallingford Health Department
"Cars” Toy Chest Sold at Toys “R” Us
Lead Poisoning Hazard
Voluntary recall, consumers should discontinue use immediately.
Product: “Cars” Toy Chest Bench by Delta Enterprise
Description: Wooden toy chest decorated with graphics from the animated movie “Cars”. The following model numbers are recalled: PO#FJ505192 and PO#FJ605042, marked on side panel.
Hazard: The bright colors of paint contain high levels of lead, posing a risk of lead poisoning to young children.
Sold exclusively at Toys “R” Us. Return the product for a full refund or credit.
For additional information about the recall call the Delta Enterprise 1-877-660-3777
or visit the website at http://www.deltachildrensproducts.com/

Meriden Health Department News and Events
Radon Test Kits available at Meriden Health Department
In honor of January being National Radon Action Month, the Meriden Health Department will have a limited number of free radon test kits available to the public. Kits will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis starting December 18, 2006 in the Environmental Health Division at the Meriden Health Department. The kits were provided by the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s radon program.
Radon is a naturally occurring colorless and odorless radioactive gas. Radon enters the home through small cracks and other openings in the basement or foundation. At elevated levels, it can increase one's risk of developing lung cancer. The only way to know if a home has high radon levels is to test for it. Radon levels tend to increase inside the home during the heating season when homes are closed.
In addition to the limited number of free kits available at the Meriden Health Department, the American Lung Association of Connecticut offers radon test kits for $12.00. To purchase a kit, send a check for $12.00 to the American Lung Association of Connecticut at 45 Ash Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. A test kit can also be purchased by calling 1-800-LUNG USA or by going online at www.alact.org.
The Health Department is located at 165 Miller Street, and is open from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday through Friday. Please call the Meriden Health Department at 630-4226 if you have any questions.
HEALTHY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2007
City of Meriden Department of Health and Human Services Community Health Education Program
This is the season to make New Year's resolutions, so let's take a look at yours! You have a lot of control over your health, and this is a good time to do something about it. Why not resolve to make some healthful changes?
Below you will find healthy resolutions to consider and local resources you can use to learn more! Meriden and Wallingford offer a wealth of activities to help you accomplish your goals. Also, don’t forget to contact your family physician if you have questions!
RESOLVE TO ….
1. QUIT SMOKING! If you smoke, consider quitting. If you’re not ready to make that step, consider the people in your home that don’t smoke!
How Can I Learn More?
Connecticut QUITLINE Sponsored by INFO LINE and Hartford Hospital – 866-END-HABIT
Meriden Health Department, Smoking Cessation Counseling Program– 203-630-4104
2. AVOID SUBSTANCE ABUSE. Pledge to avoid substance abuse. When drinking alcohol make safe transportation arrangements, such as having a designated driver or taking a taxi. Are you hosting a holiday party? Serving festive non-alcoholic beverages to drivers is a great idea!
IF YOU CHOOSE TO DRINK ALCOHOL, DO SO IN MODERATION.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden and Wallingford Substance Abuse Council, Inc. (MAWSAC) – 203-294-3591
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Meriden Police Department, Community Police Officer - 203-630-6209
Midstate Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services, Alcohol Services – 203-630-5280
Wallingford Police Department, Traffic Safety Division – 203-294-2815
3. EAT A BALANCED DIET AND AVOID OBESITY. Eat a moderate, low-fat diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Eating these healthful foods will help you live a longer, healthier life.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
4. INCORPORATE EXERCISE INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE. Regular exercise helps to control stress and weight, improves overall health, and reduces the risk of medical problems such as heart disease. It also helps to control your blood pressure, high cholesterol; and strengthens your heart, muscles and bones. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way for you to lose weight and what levels and types of physical activities are safe. Getting regular exercise may be the best gift you can give yourself for the New Year!
How Can I Learn More?
Local Health Clubs
Meriden YMCA – 203-235-6386
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Meriden Park and Recreation Department Activity Line – 203-238-7162
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
Wallingford Family YMCA – 203-269-4497
Wallingford Park and Recreation Department – 203-294-2120
5. PARTICIPATE IN PREVENTATIVE SCREENINGS AND IMMUNIZATIONS: All adults and children should have routine preventive care including screening tests and immunizations on a regular basis. Make an appointment with your doctor or other health professionals this year. Be sure to have your blood pressure checked regularly, and if you have high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice to keep it under control.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Health Department, Health Clinic – 203-630-4234
Meriden Health Department, Community Health Education Program – 203-630-4238
Midstate Medical Center, Diet/Nutrition/Diabetes Counseling – 203-630-5364
6. PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HIV/AIDS AND OTHER SEXUALLY TRANSMITTTED DISEASES. Pledge that you will reduce you risk of contracting HIV/AIDS or other sexually transmitted diseases.
How Can I Learn More?
Planned Parenthood of Connecticut – 203-238-0542
Meriden Health Department, HIV/AIDS Health Education/Counseling Program– 203-630-4176
7. BE SURE TO USE SAFETY DEVICES EVERY TIME YOU RIDE IN OR DRIVE YOUR CAR. This includes car seats and seat belts for everyone in your family. These devices save lives every day!
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Police Department, Community Police Officer - 203-630-6209
Wallingford Police Department, Traffic Safety Division – 203-294-2800
8. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN A WORKING SMOKE DETECTOR. Smoke detectors provide an early warning signal that there is a fire. They should be checked twice a year. It is recommended that you have one detector on each floor of a residence. Residential fires occur frequently and especially over the holiday. Protect yourself by always unplugging your holiday lights and blowing out candles when they are going to be left unattended.
How Can I Learn More?
Meriden Fire Marshall’s Office - 203-630-4010
Smoke Detector Program, Free to Wallingford Residents – 203-294-2730
Wallingford Fire Prevention Bureau – 203-294-2766
9. PROTECT YOUR DENTAL HEALTH. To prevent tooth decay and gum disease you should brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss on a daily basis, eat nutritious, balanced meals, limit the amount of snacks that you consume, and be sure to have regular dental checkups. If you play sports that might result in a mouth injury, be sure to wear a mouth guard.
How Can I Learn More?
Your Family Dentist
10. REDUCE THE STRESS IN YOUR LIFE.
Take 15 to 20 minutes daily to sit quietly with yourself, breathe deeply and think of something peaceful. Think ahead if you know something will bother you and try to avoid that particular situation. Try to be positive, not negative in difficult situations. By using stress-reduction strategies, you may significantly reduce the harm that stress causes on your body.
How Can I Learn More?
Midstate Medical Center, Behavioral Health Services, Mental Health – 203-630-5280



MidState News and Events
Start the New Year with a Healthy Resolution…
Mark your calendars now for Thursday, February 8, 2007, at 6:00 p.m. for a “Women’s Health Symposium,” sponsored by “The Heart Center” at MidState Medical Center.
The event will be held at George’s II Restaurant, 950 Yale Avenue in Wallingford.
The program will begin at 6:00pm with dinner and continue with presentations by area physicians and clinicians, including:
Women and Heart Disease, “Know Your Signs and Symptoms” by Richard Bugliari, MD, Cardiology Associates of Central Connecticut.
Hormone Replacement Therapy—“Is HRT Right for You?” by Joseph Peccerillo, MD, Helm & Helm. PC.
Good Nutrition—“Healthy Eating and the Health Benefits of Chocolate” by Anne Young, RD.
Breast Health—“ Breast Health Basics” by Kathy Clements, RN, Breast Care Coordinator.
Reservations and registration are required for the event. The cost is $20.00pp. Cash or checks payable to MidState Medical Center are welcome. The deadline for registration is February 5, 2006. Further information may be obtained as well as registration by contacting “The Heart Center” at MidState Medical Center at 203-694-8410.

Community Health and Wellness from MidState Medical Center
Lynn Faria, Director, Community Relations/Community Wellness
lfaria@midstatemedical.org
For many of us, the term “wellness” can evoke thoughts of: extreme physical activities such as, running in a marathon or on a treadmill; extreme diets that restrict everything that tastes good; and pain from over-exertion. You know the pain I’m referring to. The slogan, “no pain, no…”—well, you know the feeling.
Not that any of the above are bad for you. Obviously, you need medical clearance and training to prepare for “extreme sport.” But, that type of extensive physical activity and preparation may only be for some and maybe not for you! But should that deter you from developing a healthy lifestyle!
There is a great deal that you can do: If you don’t have time for long workouts, short bouts of exercise can be just as good. A recent study at Indiana University, for instance, found that four brisk 10-minute walks in a four-hour period were just as effective in lowering blood pressure as one brisk 40-minute walk in people with pre-hypertension (slightly elevated blood pressure). In fact, the effect of the shorter bouts lasted longer—11 hours after the last 10-minute walk, compared to 7 hours after the 40-minute walk. Previous studies have found that short bouts can be just as good as longer ones at lowering cholesterol, improving aerobic fitness, and decreasing anxiety. (Source: UC Berkeley Wellness Letter, December 2006).
Healthy eating does not have to be grueling nor does it require you to eat things that could double for cardboard. Healthy eating requires thought and preparation—eat a bowl of cereal before you go to work and bring a piece of fruit rather than being lured by that stray pastry or donut that you may come across in your work room. Consider a healthy lunch alternative such as a salad, but don’t load it with dressing and other items that can pack on the calories and fat.
I always heard that you should not grocery shop when you are hungry. I always scoffed at the idea. But then I started paying attention to my grocery-buying habits when I had eaten compared to when I was rushing home and could eat virtually anything—there was a difference. A full stomach can clear the head—at least for grocery shopping—and allow you to buy based on your list, not based on your hunger pains. Certainly, temptations do abound. There are many temptations and many time-saving prepared foods to choose from. Fast food is also everywhere. I personally like to cook and like to take ideas and recipes that may be higher in fat and sodium and adjust them to be reduced fat and sodium while being full-flavored.
So, what does this all mean? It means that you can set your resolutions after the holidays and achieve a healthy lifestyle by starting and sustaining an exercise regimen and healthy eating habits. Think about it!